Novel glp-1 receptor stabilizers and modulators

ABSTRACT

Compounds that bind the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1) receptor are provided including compounds which are modulators of the GLP-1 receptors and compounds which are capable of inducing a stabilizing effect on the receptor for use in structural analyses of the GLP-1 receptor. Methods of synthesis, methods of therapeutic and/or prophylactic use, and methods of use in stabilizing GLP-1 receptor in vitro for crystallization of the GLP-1 receptor of such compounds are provided.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/157,254 filed Jun. 9, 2011 (now allowed), which claims the priorityof U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/353,174 filed Jun. 9, 2010; bothof these applications are incorporated herein in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to compounds that bind the glucagon-like peptide 1(GLP-1) receptor, methods of their synthesis, methods of theirtherapeutic and/or prophylactic use, and methods of their use instabilizing GLP-1 receptor in vitro for crystallization of the GLP-1receptor. Particularly, the invention relates to compounds that aremodulators of the GLP-1 receptors and also compounds capable of inducinga stabilizing effect on the receptor for use in structural analyses ofthe GLP-1 receptor.

BACKGROUND

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) belongs to Family B1 of theseven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors, and its natural agonistligand is the peptide hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 isa peptide hormone arising by its alternative enzymatic cleavage fromproglucagon, the prohormone precursor for GLP-1, which is highlyexpressed in enteroendocrine cells of the intestine, the alpha cells ofthe endocrine pancreas (islets of Langerhans), and the brain (Kieffer T.J. and Habener, J. F. Endocrin. Rev. 20:876-913 (1999); Drucker, D. J.,Endocrinology 142:521-7 (2001); Holst, J. J., Diabetes Metab. Res. Rev.18:430-41 (2002)). The initial actions of GLP-1 observed were on theinsulin-producing cells of the islets, where it stimulatesglucose-dependent insulin secretion. Subsequently, multiple additionalantidiabetogenic actions of GLP-1 were discovered including thestimulation of the growth and inhibition of the apoptosis of pancreaticbeta cells (Drucker, D. J., Endocrinology 144:5145-8 (2003); Holz, G. G.and Chepurny O. G., Curr. Med. Chem. 10:2471-83 (2003); List, J. F. andHabener, J. F., Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab. 286:E875-81 (2004)).

On activation, GLP-1 receptors couple to the α subunit of G protein,with subsequent activation of adenylate cyclase and increase of cAMPlevels, thereby potentiating glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.Therefore, GLP-1 is an attractive therapeutic to lower blood glucose andpreserve the β-cells of the pancreas of diabetic patients. Glucagon hasbeen used for decades in medical practice within diabetes and severalglucagon-like peptides are being developed for various therapeuticindications. GLP-1 analogs and derivatives are being developed for thetreatment for patients suffering from diabetes.

As it has been well established in the field of protein crystallographythat the monodispersity of protein samples is a major determinant ofsuccess in crystallization, development of compounds that are capable ofmaintaining the GLP-1 receptor in a monodisperse, functional statethroughout purification, concentration and crystallization trials is acrucial preliminary step in the structural determination effort of theGLP-1 receptor. Disclosed herein are compounds that are capable ofinducing such stabilizing effects on the GLP-1 receptor. The compoundsof the disclosure are screened for their ability to support structuraldetermination of the GLP-1 receptor to high resolution, thus allowing anadditional dimension of diversity in crystallization. The compounds ofthe disclosure enable drug development through the structural solutionof clinically relevant GPCR targets. Structural coordinates can beleveraged as a discovery platform for generating novel chemical leadsthrough virtual ligand screening followed by in vitro screening andchemical optimization of hits for standard drug-like properties andefficacy. In addition, it is well known in the field of structuralbiology that the initial structural solution of a given target enablessubsequent structures with less favorable ligands due to the growth inknowledge and restriction of crystallization space that must bescreened.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to compounds adapted to act asstabilizers or modulators of GLP-1 receptor; methods of preparation andmethods of use, such as in treatment of a malcondition mediated by GLP-1receptor activation, or when modulation of GLP-1 receptor is medicallyindicated.

Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise a compound havingthe structure of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable isomer,enantiomer, racemate, salt, ester, prodrug, hydrate or solvate thereof:

wherein

each R₁ can be independently H or C₁₋₄ alkyl;

R₂ can be —OH, —O—R₈, —N(R₁)—SO₂—R₈, —N(R₁)—(CR_(a)R_(b))_(m)—COOH, or—N(R₁)— tetrazolyl;

each R₃ and R₄ can be independently H, alkyl, alkoxy, halo, —NO₂, —CN,perhaloalkyl, perhaloalkoxy, haloalkyl, alkyl substituted with R₃₁,—OR₄₀, —NR₄₁R₄₂;

each R₄₀ can be independently H or alkyl;

each R₄₁ and R₄₂ can be independently H or alkyl,—(CH₂)_(n)—COO—R₄₀,—C(O)—R₄₀, aryl, heteroaryl, or two taken togetherwith the N atom to which they are attached can form a 3- to 7-memberedheterocyclic ring;

each R₃₁ can be independently H, halo, hydroxyl, —NR₄₁R₄₂, or alkoxy;

each A can be independently, from the proximal to distal end of thestructure of Formula I, —O—, —OC(O)—, —NR₁—, —NR₁—CH₂₋₅—C(O)NR₁,—N(R₁)—C(O)—, or —N(R₁)—S(O₂)—;

W₁ can be null or -L₁-(CR_(a)R_(b))_(m)-L₁-R₆;

each L₁ can be independently, from the proximal to distal end of thestructure of Formula I, null, A, —C(O)O—, —S(O₂)—, —S—,—N(R₁)—C(O)—N(R₁)—, —N(R₁)—C(O)—O—, —C(O)— or —S(O₂)—NR₁—;

each R_(a) and R_(b) can be independently H, alkyl, alkoxy, aralkyl, ortwo taken together with the carbon to which they are attached form acycloalkyl;

R₆ can be H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl,heterocycloalkyl, any of which may be optionally singly or multiplysubstituted with R₇ or —(CH₂)_(m)-L₂-(CH₂)_(m)—R₇;

R₇ is H, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, —OH, —CN, —S(O)—R₈, —S(O)₂—R₈,—S(O)₂—NR₁R₈, —NR₁—S(O)₂—R₈, or a ring moiety selected from cycloalkyl,phenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, or heterocycloalkyl, where suchring moiety may be optionally singly or multiply substituted with halo,alkyl, alkoxy, perhaloalkyl, perhaloalkoxy, haloalkyl, hydroxy, cyano,—S(O)—R₈, —S(O)₂—R₈, —S(O)₂—NR₁R₈, or —NR₁—S(O)₂—R₈;

L₂ can be independently, from the proximal to distal end of thestructure of Formula I, null, —O—, —OC(O)—, —NR₁—, —C(O)NR₁—,—N(R₁)—C(O)—, —S(O₂)—, —C(O)— or —S(O₂)—N(R₁)—;

R₅ can be R₇, —(CH₂)_(m)-L₂-(CH₂)_(m)—R₇, or-(-L₃-(CR_(a)R_(b))_(r)—)_(a)-L₃-R₇;

each L₃ can be independently null, —O—, or —N(R₁)— each R₈ can beindependently H, C₁₋₇ alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl; each m can beindependently 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6;

each n can be independently 0 or 1;

p can be 0, 1, 2, or 3;

q can be 0, 1, 2, or 3;

each r can be independently 2, 3, or 4; and

each s can be independently 1, 2, 3, or 4.

In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition comprising acompound of the invention together with at least one pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier, diluent or excipient is provided.

In certain embodiments, a method of use of a compound of the inventioncomprising preparation of a medicament is provided.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides a pharmaceuticalcombination comprising a compound of the invention and a secondmedicament is provided. In various embodiments, the second medicament ismedically indicated for the treatment of type II diabetes.

In certain embodiments, a method of activation or agonism of a GLP-1receptor comprising contacting the receptor with a compound of theinvention is provided.

In certain embodiments, a method of treatment of a malcondition in asubject for which activation or agonism of a GLP-1 receptor is medicallyindicated, is provided. In various embodiments, selective activation oragonism of a GLP-1 receptor, is medically indicated. In variousembodiments, the malcondition comprises type I diabetes, type IIdiabetes, gestational diabetes, obesity, excessive appetite,insufficient satiety, or metabolic disorder.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods for synthesis ofcertain compounds including compounds of the invention. In certain otherembodiments, the invention provides certain intermediate compoundsassociated with such methods of synthesis.

In certain embodiments, compounds for enhancing the stabilization of aGLP-1 receptor are provided. In certain embodiments, methods forenhancing the stabilizing of a GLP-1 receptor in structural biologystudies are provided through the use of compounds of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments comprise a compound having the chiral structure ofFormula I-R or I-S (with the chirality as indicated) or apharmaceutically acceptable isomer, enantiomer, racemate, salt, ester,prodrug, hydrate or solvate thereof:

wherein

each R₁ can be independently H or C₁₋₄ alkyl;

R₂ can be —OH, —O—R₈, —N(R₁)—SO₂—R₈, —N(R₁)—(CR_(a)R_(b))_(m)—COOH, or—N(R₁)— tetrazolyl;

each R₃ and R₄ can be independently H, alkyl, alkoxy, halo, —NO₂, —CN,perhaloalkyl, perhaloalkoxy, haloalkyl, alkyl substituted with R₃₁,—OR₄₀, —NR₄₁R₄₂;

each R₄₀ can be independently H or alkyl;

each R₄₁ and R₄₂ can be independently H or alkyl, —(CH₂)_(n)—COO—R₄₀,—C(O)—R₄₀, aryl, heteroaryl, or two taken together with the N atom towhich they are attached can form a 3- to 7-membered heterocyclic ring;

each R₃₁ can be independently H, halo, hydroxyl, —NR₄₁R₄₂, or alkoxy;

each A can be independently, from the proximal to distal end of thestructure of Formula I-R or I-S, —O—, —OC(O)—, —NR₁—,—NR₁—CH₂₋₅—C(O)NR₁₋₅—N(R₁)—C(O)—, or —N(R₁)—S(O₂)—;

W₁ can be null or -L₁-(CR_(a)R_(b))_(m)-L₁-R₆;

each L₁ can be independently, from the proximal to distal end of thestructure of Formula I-R or I-S, null, A, —C(O)O—, —S(O₂)—, —S—,—N(R₁)—C(O)—N(R₁)—, —N(R₁)—C(O)—O—, —C(O)— or —S(O₂)—NR₁—;

each R_(a) and R_(b) can be independently H, alkyl, alkoxy, aralkyl, ortwo taken together with the carbon to which they are attached form acycloalkyl;

R₆ can be H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl,heterocycloalkyl, any of which may be optionally singly or multiplysubstituted with R₇ or —(CH₂)_(m)-L₂-(CH₂)_(m)—R₇;

R₇ is H, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, —OH, —CN, —S(O)—R₈₅—S(O)₂—R₈₅—S(O)₂—NR₁R₈,—NR₁—S(O)₂—R₈, or a ring moiety selected from cycloalkyl, phenyl, aryl,heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, or heterocycloalkyl, where such ring moietymay be optionally singly or multiply substituted with halo, alkyl,alkoxy, perhaloalkyl, perhaloalkoxy, haloalkyl, hydroxy, cyano,—S(O)—R₈₅—S(O)₂—R₈, —S(O)₂—NR₁R₈, or —NR₁—S(O)₂—R₈;

L₂ can be independently, from the proximal to distal end of thestructure of Formula I-R or I-S, null, —O—, —OC(O)—, —NR₁—,—C(O)NR₁₋₅—N(R₁)—C(O)—, —S(O₂)—, —C(O)— or —S(O₂)—N(R₁)—;

R₅ can be R₇, —(CH₂)_(m)-L₂-(CH₂)_(m)—R₇, or-(-L₃-(CR_(a)R_(b))_(r)—)_(a)-L₃-R₇;

each L₃ can be independently null, —O—, or —N(R₁)— each R₈ can beindependently H, C₁₋₇ alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl;

each m can be independently 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6;

each n can be independently 0 or 1;

p can be 0, 1, 2, or 3;

q can be 0, 1, 2, or 3;

each r can be independently 2, 3, or 4; and

each s can be independently 1, 2, 3, or 4.

In certain embodiments, the compounds have the structure of Formula I-Ror a pharmaceutically acceptable isomer, enantiomer, salt, ester,prodrug, hydrate or solvate thereof. In other embodiments, the compoundshave the structure of Formula I-S or a pharmaceutically acceptableisomer, enantiomer, salt, ester, prodrug, hydrate or solvate thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compounds are substantially enantiomericallypure.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides compounds where W₁ can be-L₁-(CR_(a)R_(b))_(m)-L₁-R₆. In further embodiments, W₁ can be-L₁-(CR_(a)R_(b))_(m)—R₆.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides compounds where L₁ can be—O—.

In certain embodiments, L₁ can be —C(O)O—. In certain embodiments, L₁can be —S(O₂)—. In certain embodiments, L₁ can be —S—. L₁ is —N(R₁). Incertain embodiments, L₁ can be —N(R₁)—C(O)—N(R₁)—. In certainembodiments, L₁ can be —N(R₁)—C(O)—. In certain embodiments, L₁ can be—S(O₂)—N(R₁)—. In certain embodiments, one of L₁ can be —C(O)—, and incertain such embodiments W₁ can be —C(O)—R₆.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides compounds where R₁ can beH.

In certain embodiments, one of L₁ can be —O—.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides compounds where bothR_(a) and R_(b) can be H. In certain embodiments, one of R_(a) and R_(b)can be methyl. In certain embodiments, one of R_(a) and R_(b) can bemethoxy. In certain embodiments, in at least one instance R_(a) andR_(b) taken together with the carbon to which they are attached form acycloalkyl.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides compounds where R₆ can bealkyl substituted with R₇ and R₇ is phenyl or heterocyclyl.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides compounds where W₁ can be—NHC(O)—(CH₂)_(m)-L₁-R₆.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides compounds where R₆ can beH or alkyl.

In other embodiments, the invention provides compounds where R₆ can becycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocycloalkyl, and anyof which may be optionally singly or multiply substituted with alkyl,alkoxy or halo. In certain of such embodiments, R₆ is cyclopentyl,cyclohexyl, phenyl, pyridinyl, naphthyl, furanyl, thiophenyl,benzo[b]furanyl, isobenzofuranyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl,tetrahydro-2H-pyranyl, pyrazolyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl,benzo[d][1,2,3]thiadiazolyl, quinoxalinyl, quinolinyl, thiazolyl,pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridinyl, imidazolyl,benzo[d]isoxazolyl, and R₆ may be optionally singly or multiplysubstituted with methyl, methoxy, chloro or fluoro.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides compounds where m can be0, 1 or 2.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides compounds where W₁ can beattached in the para position.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides compounds where W₁ can benull.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides compounds where each R₃can be independently H, methyl, ethyl, t-butyl, methoxy, isopropoxy,ethoxy, chloro, fluoro, —CF₃, —OCF₃, —OCF₂H, —CN, or —NO₂. In furtherembodiments, each R₃ can be independently H, t-butyl, or methoxy.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides compounds where p can be1.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides compounds where R₁ can beH.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides compounds where R₂ can be—OH.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides compounds where R₄ can beH.

In other embodiments, the invention provides compounds where R₄ can bealkoxy. In certain of such embodiments, R₄ can be methoxy.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides compounds where A can be—OC(O)—, —N(R₁)—S(O₂)—, —O—, or —N(R₁)—C(O)—. In further embodiments, Acan be —OC(O)—. In certain embodiments, the invention provides compoundswhere A can be in the para position.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides compounds where p can be1.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides compounds where R₅ can bealkoxy. In further embodiments, R₅ can be heptoxy. In certainembodiments, R₅ can be -(-L₃-(CR_(a)R_(b))_(r)-)_(s)-L₃-R₇. In certainembodiments, R₅ can be -(-L₃-(CH₂)_(r)-)_(s)-L₃-R₇. In certainembodiments, each L₃ can be the same (e.g., —O—), for example R₅ can be—O—(CH₂)₂—O—(CH₂)₂—O—CH₃; in certain embodiments all L₃ are not thesame.

In certain embodiments R₇ can be a ring moiety selected from cycloalkyl,phenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, or heterocycloalkyl, where suchring moiety may be optionally singly or multiply substituted with halo,alkyl, alkoxy, perhaloalkyl, perhaloalkoxy, haloalkyl, hydroxy, orcyano, —S(O)—R₈, —S(O)₂—R₈, —S(O)₂—NR₁R₈, —NR₁—S(O)₂—R₈.

In certain embodiments R₈ can be H, C₁₋₇ alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl; incertain embodiments where R₈ is attached to a sulfur atom or an oxygenatom, R₈ can be C₁₋₇ alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides compounds where n is 1.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides one or more of compounds1-334 or a pharmaceutically acceptable isomer, enantiomer, racemate,salt, ester, prodrug, hydrate or solvate thereof. In certain of suchembodiments, the invention provides a compound selected from compounds2, 57, 63, 103, 120, 178, 179, 263 and 273, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable isomer, enantiomer, racemate, salt, ester, prodrug, hydrateor solvate thereof.

Certain embodiments comprise a compound having the chiral structure ofFormula II-R or II-S (with the chirality as indicated) or apharmaceutically acceptable isomer, enantiomer, salt, ester, prodrug,hydrate or solvate thereof:

wherein

W′₁ can be H, optionally substituted alkyl, —OR′₁₀, —(CH₂)_(m′),—NR′₁₁R′₁₂, —(CH₂)_(m)—NHCO—R′₁, or —(CH₂)_(m′)—OCO—R′₂;

W′₂ can be H, optionally substituted alkyl, —OR′₂₀,—(CH₂)_(n′)—NR′₂₁R′₂₂, —(CH₂)_(n′)—NHCO—R′₂ or —(CH₂)_(n′)—OCO—R′₂;

R′₁ can be H, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkylamino, cycloalkyl, aryl,heteroaryl, or —(CH₂)_(m′)—NR′₁₁R′₁₂, any of which may be optionallysubstituted;

R′₂ can be H, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkylamino, cycloalkyl, aryl,heteroaryl, or —(CH₂)_(n′)—NR′₂₁R′₂₂, any of which may be optionallysubstituted;

R′₃ can be H, optionally substituted alkyl, —OR′₃₀, or —NR′₃₁R′₃₂;

each R′₄ and R′₅ can be independently H, optionally substituted alkyl,halogen, perhaloalkyl, —CN, —OR′₄₀, —NR′₄₁R′₄₂;

each R′₁₁, R′₁₂, R′₂₁, R′₂₂, R′₃₁, R′₃₂, R′₄₁ and R′₄₂ can beindependently H or alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or together form a 3- to7-membered ring;

each R′₁₀, R′₂₀, R′₃₀ and R′₄₀ can be independently H or alkyl;

Z′ can be —C(O) or CH₂;

each m′ can be independently 0 or 1; and

each n′ can be independently 0 or 1.

In certain other such embodiments, the invention provides one or more ofthe following compounds having a structure of Formula II:

TABLE A ID R′₁ R′₂ R′₃ Z′  1-1 cyclopentyl 2-thienyl OH carbonyl  5-1cyclopentyl 2-thienyl O-t-butyl carbonyl  9-1 cyclopentyl 2-thienyl OCH₃carbonyl  1-2 tert-butoxyl 2-thienyl OH carbonyl  1-7 2-1H-imidazolyl2-thienyl OH carbonyl  1-3 cyclopropyl 2-thienyl OH carbonyl  1-4cyclobutyl 2-thienyl OH carbonyl  1-5 CH₃ 2-thienyl OH carbonyl  1-65-1H-imidazol 2-thienyl OH carbonyl  1-8 2-thienyl 2-thienyl OH carbonyl 1-9 phenyl 2-thienyl OH carbonyl  1-10 2-methylbut-2- 2-thienyl OHcarbonyl enyl  1-11 cyclopentyl 2-pyridinyl OH carbonyl  1-12cyclopentyl 3-pyridinyl OH carbonyl  1-13 cyclopentyl 4-pyridinyl OHcarbonyl  1-14 cyclopentyl 5-1H-imidazol OH carbonyl  1-15 cyclopentyl3-1H-indole OH carbonyl  1-16 cyclopentyl phenyl OH carbonyl  1-17cyclopentyl 2-hydroxyphenyl OH carbonyl  1-18 cyclopentyl3-hydroxyphenyl OH carbonyl  1-19 cyclopentyl 4-hydroxyphenyl OHcarbonyl  1-20 cyclopentyl 3-thienyl OH carbonyl  1-21 cyclopentylmethyl-2-thiophene OH carbonyl  1-22 cyclopentyl 2-1H-imidazol OHcarbonyl  1-23 cyclopentyl cyclopentyl OH carbonyl  1-24 cyclopentyl CH₃OH carbonyl  1-25 cyclopentyl methylamine OH carbonyl  1-26 cyclopentylmethyl-dimethyl- OH carbonyl amino  1-27 cyclopentyl 2-thienyl OH H 10-1cyclohexyl 2-thienyl OH carbonyl 11-1 cyclohexyl 2-thienyl O-t-butylcarbonyl 12-1 cyclohexyl 2-thienyl OCH₃ carbonyl 10-2 cyclohexyl2-pyridinyl OH carbonyl 10-3 cyclohexyl 3-pyridinyl OH carbonyl 10-4cyclohexyl 4-pyridinyl OH carbonyl 10-5 cyclohexyl 5-1H-imidazolyl OHcarbonyl 10-6 cyclohexyl 3-1H-indolyl OH carbonyl 10-7 cyclohexyl phenylOH carbonyl 10-8 cyclohexyl 2-hydroxyphenyl OH carbonyl 10-9 cyclohexyl3-hydroxyphenyl OH carbonyl 10-10 cyclohexyl 4-hydroxyphenyl OH carbonyl10-11 cyclohexyl 3-thienyl OH carbonyl 13-1 isopropyl 2-thienyl OHcarbonyl 14-1 isopropyl 2-thienyl O-t-butyl carbonyl 15-1 isopropyl2-thienyl OCH₃ carbonyl 13-2 isopropyl 2-pyridinyl OH carbonyl 13-3isopropyl 3-pyridinyl OH carbonyl 13-4 isopropyl 4-pyridinyl OH carbonyl13-5 isopropyl 5-1H-imidazolyl OH carbonyl 13-6 isopropyl 3-1H-indolylOH carbonyl 13-7 isopropyl phenyl OH carbonyl 13-8 isopropyl2-hydroxyphenyl OH carbonyl 13-9 isopropyl 3-hydroxyphenyl OH carbonyl13-10 isopropyl 4-hydroxyphenyl OH carbonyl 13-11 isopropyl 3-thienyl OHcarbonyl 16-1 2-thienyl cyclopentyl OH carbonyl 17-1 2-thienylcyclopentyl O-t-butyl carbonyl 18-1 2-thienyl cyclopentyl OCH₃ carbonyl16-2 2-pyridinyl cyclopentyl OH carbonyl 16-3 3-pyridinyl cyclopentyl OHcarbonyl 16-4 4-pyridinyl cyclopentyl OH carbonyl 16-5 5-1H-imidazolylcyclopentyl OH carbonyl 16-6 3-1H-indolyl cyclopentyl OH carbonyl 16-7phenyl cyclopentyl OH carbonyl 16-8 2-hydroxyphenyl cyclopentyl OHcarbonyl 16-9 3-hydroxyphenyl cyclopentyl OH carbonyl 16-104-hydroxyphenyl cyclopentyl OH carbonyl 16-11 3-thienyl cyclopentyl OHcarbonyl 19-1 2-thienyl cyclohexyl OH carbonyl 20-1 2-thienyl cyclohexylO-t-butyl carbonyl 21-1 2-thienyl cyclohexyl OCH₃ carbonyl 19-22-pyridinyl cyclohexyl OH carbonyl 19-3 3-pyridinyl cyclohexyl OHcarbonyl 19-4 4-pyridinyl cyclohexyl OH carbonyl 19-5 5-1H-imidazolylcyclohexyl OH carbonyl 19-6 3-1H-indolyl cyclohexyl OH carbonyl 19-7phenyl cyclohexyl OH carbonyl 19-8 2-hydroxyphenyl cyclohexyl OHcarbonyl 19-9 3-hydroxyphenyl cyclohexyl OH carbonyl 19-104-hydroxyphenyl cyclohexyl OH carbonyl 19-11 3-thienyl cyclohexyl OHcarbonyl 22-1 2-thienyl isopropyl OH carbonyl 23-1 2-thienyl isopropylO-t-butyl carbonyl 24-1 2-thienyl isopropyl OCH₃ carbonyl 22-22-pyridinyl isopropyl OH carbonyl 22-3 3-pyridinyl isopropyl OH carbonyl22-4 4-pyridinyl isopropyl OH carbonyl 22-5 5-1H-imidazolyl isopropyl OHcarbonyl 22-6 3-1H-indolyl isopropyl OH carbonyl 22-7 phenyl isopropylOH carbonyl 22-8 2-hydroxyphenyl isopropyl OH carbonyl 22-93-hydroxyphenyl isopropyl OH carbonyl 22-10 4-hydroxyphenyl isopropyl OHcarbonyl 22-11 3-thienyl isopropyl OH carbonyl

In certain embodiments, the invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a compound of the invention together with atleast one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a compound of the invention and a secondmedicament. In certain of such embodiments, the second medicament is apeptidic GLP-1 agonist or a DPP-4 inhibitor.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method of use ofcompounds of the invention for preparation of a medicament.

In certain embodiments a method of activation or agonism of a GLP-1receptor by contacting the receptor with an effective amount of aninvention compound. In further embodiments, a method of activation oragonism of a GLP-1 receptor by contacting the receptor with an effectiveamount of an invention compound is provided, wherein the compoundactivates or agonizes the GLP-1 receptor to a greater extent than thecompound activates or agonizes a GLP-1 receptor. In further embodiments,a method of activation or agonism of a GLP-1 receptor by contacting thereceptor with an effective amount of an invention compound is provided,wherein the GLP-1 receptor is disposed within a living mammal.

In certain embodiments, a method is provided for treatment of amalcondition in a subject for which activation or agonism of a GLP-1receptor is medically indicated, by administering an effective amount ofan invention compound to the subject at a frequency and for a durationof time sufficient to provide a beneficial effect to the patient. In yetfurther embodiments, a method is provided for treatment of amalcondition in a patient for which activation or agonism of a GLP-1receptor is medically indicated, by administering an effective amount ofan invention compound to the patient at a frequency and for a durationof time sufficient to provide a beneficial effect to the patient,wherein the malcondition comprises type I diabetes, type II diabetes,gestational diabetes, obesity, excessive appetite, insufficient satiety,or metabolic disorder.

In certain embodiment, the subject is a patient or a human being. Incertain embodiment, the human being is afflicted with, or at risk ofdeveloping, a disease or condition selected from the group consisting oftype I diabetes, type II diabetes, gestational diabetes, obesity,excessive appetite, insufficient satiety, and metabolic disorder.Preferably said disease is type I diabetes or type II diabetes.

In certain embodiments, methods are provided for use of an inventioncompound for preparation of a medicament adapted for treatment of adisorder or a malcondition wherein activation or inhibition of a GLP-1receptor is medically indicated. In certain embodiments, themalcondition comprises type I diabetes, type II diabetes, gestationaldiabetes, obesity, excessive appetite, insufficient satiety, andmetabolic disorder. Preferably said disease is type I diabetes or typeII diabetes.

In certain embodiments, the method additionally comprises administeringto the subject a second medicament selected from the group of peptidicGLP-1 agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors, wherein such second medicament iseither a component of the pharmaceutical composition or a secondpharmaceutical composition. In certain of such embodiments, the secondmedicament can be exenatide or sitagliptin.

In certain embodiments, compounds of the invention may stabilize a GLP-1receptor, such as, by binding with such receptor and enhancing itsthermal stability in connection with the preparation of crystals of suchGLP-1 receptor complexed with such stabilizing compound preferably forthe preparation of crystals of sufficient quality for use in X-raydiffraction crystallography structure determination for the GLP-1receptor. The ability of a compound of the invention to enhance thethermal stability of a GLP-1 receptor may be evaluated by a thermalstability assay such as that described herein.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise.

As used herein, “individual” (as in the subject of the treatment) meansboth mammals and non-mammals. Mammals include, for example, humans;non-human primates, e.g. apes and monkeys; cattle; horses; sheep; andgoats. Non-mammals include, for example, fish and birds.

A “receptor”, as is well known in the art, is a biomolecular entityusually comprising a protein that specifically binds a structural classof ligands or a single native ligand in a living organism, the bindingof which causes the receptor to transduce the binding signal intoanother kind of biological action, such as signaling a cell that abinding event has occurred, which causes the cell to alter its functionin some manner. An example of transduction is receptor binding of aligand causing alteration of the activity of a “G-protein” in thecytoplasm of a living cell. Any molecule, naturally occurring or not,that binds to a receptor and activates it for signal transduction, isreferred to as an “agonist” or “activator.” Any molecule, naturallyoccurring or not, that binds to a receptor, but does not cause signaltransduction to occur, and which can block the binding of an agonist andits consequent signal transduction, is referred to as an “antagonist.”

An “GLP-1 compound” or “GLP-1 agonist” or “GLP-1 activator” or “GLP-1inhibitor” or “GLP-1 antagonist” as the terms are used herein refer tocompounds that interact in some way with the GLP-1 receptor. They can beagonist or activators, or they can be antagonists or inhibitors. An“GLP-1 compound” of the invention can be selective for action of theGLP-1 receptor family.

“Substantially” as the term is used herein means completely or almostcompletely; for example, a composition that is “substantially free” of acomponent either has none of the component or contains such a traceamount that any relevant functional property of the composition isunaffected by the presence of the trace amount, or a compound is“substantially pure” is there are only negligible traces of impuritiespresent.

Substantially enantiomerically pure means a level of enantiomericenrichment of one enantiomer with respect to the other enantiomer of atleast 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 99.9%.

“Treating” or “treatment” within the meaning herein refers to analleviation of symptoms associated with a disorder or disease, orinhibition of further progression or worsening of those symptoms, orprevention or prophylaxis of the disease or disorder.

The expression “effective amount”, when used to describe use of acompound of the invention in providing therapy to a patient sufferingfrom a disorder or malcondition mediated by GLP-1 refers to the amountof a compound of the invention that is effective to bind to as anagonist or as an antagonist a GLP-1 receptor in the individual'stissues, wherein the GLP-1 is implicated in the disorder, wherein suchbinding occurs to an extent sufficient to produce a beneficialtherapeutic effect on the patient. Similarly, as used herein, an“effective amount” or a “therapeutically effective amount” of a compoundof the invention refers to an amount of the compound that alleviates, inwhole or in part, symptoms associated with the disorder or condition, orhalts or slows further progression or worsening of those symptoms, orprevents or provides prophylaxis for the disorder or condition. Inparticular, a “therapeutically effective amount” refers to an amounteffective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve thedesired therapeutic result by acting as an agonist of GLP-1 activity. Atherapeutically effective amount is also one in which any toxic ordetrimental effects of compounds of the invention are outweighed by thetherapeutically beneficial effects. For example, in the context oftreating a malcondition mediated by activation of aGLP-1 receptor, atherapeutically effective amount of a GLP-1 receptor agonist of theinvention is an amount sufficient to control the malcondition, tomitigate the progress of the malcondition, or to relieve the symptoms ofthe malcondition. Examples of malconditions that can be so treatedinclude, but not limited to, type II diabetes.

All chiral, diastereomeric, racemic forms of a structure are intended,unless a particular stereochemistry or isomeric form is specificallyindicated. Compounds used in the present invention can include enrichedor resolved optical isomers at any or all asymmetric atoms as areapparent from the depictions, at any degree of enrichment. Both racemicand diastereomeric mixtures, as well as the individual optical isomerscan be synthesized so as to be substantially free of their enantiomericor diastereomeric partners, and these are all within the scope ofcertain embodiments of the invention.

The isomers resulting from the presence of a chiral center comprise apair of non-superimposable isomers that are called “enantiomers.” Singleenantiomers of a pure compound are optically active, i.e., they arecapable of rotating the plane of plane polarized light. Singleenantiomers are designated according to the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog system.Once the priority ranking of the four groups is determined, the moleculeis oriented so that the lowest ranking group is pointed away from theviewer. Then, if the descending rank order of the other groups proceedsclockwise, the molecule is designated (R) and if the descending rank ofthe other groups proceeds counterclockwise, the molecule is designated(S). In the example in Scheme 14, the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog ranking isA>B>C>D. The lowest ranking atom, D is oriented away from the viewer.

“Isolated optical isomer” means a compound which has been substantiallypurified from the corresponding optical isomer(s) of the same formula.Preferably, the isolated isomer is at least about 80%, more preferablyat least 90% pure, even more preferably at least 98% pure, mostpreferably at least about 99% pure, by weight.

Enantiomers are sometimes called optical isomers because a pureenantiomer rotates plane-polarized light in a particular direction. Ifthe light rotates clockwise, then that enantiomer is labeled “(+)” or“d” for dextrorotatory, its counterpart will rotate the lightcounterclockwise and is labeled “(−)” or “1” for levorotatory.

The terms “racemate” and “racemic mixture” are frequently usedinterchangeably.

A racemate is an equal mixture of two enantiomers. A racemate is labeled“(±)” because it is not optically active (i.e., will not rotateplane-polarized light in either direction since its constituentenantiomers cancel each other out).

Rotational Isomerism

It is understood that due to chemical properties (i.e., resonancelending some double bond character to the C—N bond) of restrictedrotation about the amide bond linkage (as illustrated below) it ispossible to observe separate rotamer species and even, under somecircumstances, to isolate such species, example shown below. It isfurther understood that certain structural elements, including stericbulk or substituents on the amide nitrogen, may enhance the stability ofa rotamer to the extent that a compound may be isolated as, and existindefinitely, as a single stable rotamer. The present inventiontherefore includes any possible stable rotamers of compounds of theinvention which are biologically active in the treatment of cancer orother proliferative disease states.

Regioisomerism

The preferred compounds of the present invention have a particularspatial arrangement of substituents on the aromatic rings, which isrelated to the structure activity relationship demonstrated by thecompound class. Often such substitution arrangement is denoted by anumbering system; however, numbering systems are often not consistentbetween different ring systems. In six-membered aromatic systems, thespatial arrangements are specified by the common nomenclature “para” for1,4-substitution, “meta” for 1,3-substitution and “ortho” for1,2-substitution as shown below.

All structures encompassed within a claim are “chemically feasible”, bywhich is meant that the structure depicted by any combination orsubcombination of optional substituents meant to be recited by the claimis physically capable of existence with at least some stability as canbe determined by the laws of structural chemistry and byexperimentation. Structures that are not chemically feasible are notwithin a claimed set of compounds.

In general, “substituted” refers to an organic group as defined hereinin which one or more bonds to a hydrogen atom contained therein arereplaced by one or more bonds to a non-hydrogen atom such as, but notlimited to, a halogen (i.e., F, Cl, Br, and I); an oxygen atom in groupssuch as hydroxyl groups, alkoxy groups, aryloxy groups, aralkyloxygroups, oxo(carbonyl) groups, carboxyl groups including carboxylicacids, carboxylates, and carboyxlate esters; a sulfur atom in groupssuch as thiol groups, alkyl and aryl sulfide groups, sulfoxide groups,sulfone groups, sulfonyl groups, and sulfonamide groups; a nitrogen atomin groups such as amines, hydroxylamines, nitriles, nitro groups,N-oxides, hydrazides, azides, and enamines; and other heteroatoms invarious other groups. Non-limiting examples of substituents that can bebonded to a substituted carbon (or other) atom include F, Cl, Br, I,OR′, OC(O)N(R′)₂, CN, CF₃, OCF₃, R′, O, S, C(O), S(O), methylenedioxy,ethylenedioxy, N(R′)₂, SR′, SOR′, SO₂R′, SO₂N(R)₂, SO₃R′, C(O)R′,C(O)C(O)R′, C(O)CH₂C(O)R′, C(S)R′, C(O)OR′, OC(O)R′, C(O)N(R′)₂,OC(O)N(R′)₂, C(S)N(R′)₂, (CH₂)₀₋₂NHC(O)R′, (CH₂)₀₋₂N(R′)N(R)₂,N(R′)N(R′)C(O)R′, N(R)N(R)C(O)OR′, N(R′)N(R′)CON(R′)₂, N(R′)SO₂R′,N(R′)SO₂N(R′)₂, N(R)C(O)OR′, N(R′)C(O)R′, N(R′)C(S)R′, N(R′)C(O)N(R′)₂,N(R′)C(S)N(R′)₂, N(COR′)COR′, N(OR′)R′, C(═NH)N(R′)₂, C(O)N(OR′)R′, orC(═NOR′)R′ wherein R′ can be hydrogen or a carbon-based moiety, andwherein the carbon-based moiety can itself be further substituted.

Substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, and cycloalkenyl groupsas well as other substituted groups also include groups in which one ormore bonds to a hydrogen atom are replaced by one or more bonds,including double or triple bonds, to a carbon atom, or to a heteroatomsuch as, but not limited to, oxygen in carbonyl (oxo), carboxyl, ester,amide, imide, urethane, and urea groups; and nitrogen in imines,hydroxyimines, oximes, hydrazones, amidines, guanidines, and nitriles.

Substituted ring groups includes substituted aryl, heterocyclyl andheteroaryl groups. Substituted ring groups can be substituted by one ormore substituents at any available ring position. In some embodiments,two substituents on a substituted ring group may taken together with thering to which they are attached to form a ring, such that the two ringsare fused together. For example, benzodioxolyl is a fused ring systemformed by two substituents taken together on a phenyl group.

Such substituted ring groups also include rings and fused ring systemsin which a bond to a hydrogen atom is replaced with a bond to a carbonatom. Therefore, substituted aryl, heterocyclyl and heteroaryl groupscan also be substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl,heteroaryl, and alkynyl groups as defined herein, which can themselvesbe further substituted.

The linking groups (e.g., A, L₁ and L₂) of Formula I-R or I-S arepartial structures which may be represented by a formula, say, forexample, —N(R₁)—C(O)—, which is read from left-to-right. Accordingly,the nitrogen atom of the —N(R₁)—C(O)— linker will be attached to theproximal end of the structure of Formula I-R or I-S, and the carbonylcarbon atom of the —N(R₁)—C(O)— linker will be attached to the distalend of the structure of Formula I-R or I-S. In one specific example,where A is —N(R₁)—C(O)—, the embodiment of the compound of Formula I-Ror I-S will have the following terminus:

The term “heteroatoms” as used herein refers to non-carbon andnon-hydrogen atoms, capable of forming covalent bonds with carbon, andis not otherwise limited. Typical heteroatoms are N, O, and S. Whensulfur (S) is referred to, it is understood that the sulfur can be inany of the oxidation states in which it is found, thus includingsulfoxides (R—S(O)—R′) and sulfones (R—S(O)₂—R′), unless the oxidationstate is specified; thus, the term “sulfone” encompasses only thesulfone form of sulfur; the term “sulfide” encompasses only the sulfide(R—S—R′) form of sulfur. When the phrases such as “heteroatoms selectedfrom the group consisting of O, NH, NR′ and S,” or “[variable] is O, S .. . ” are used, they are understood to encompass all of the sulfide,sulfoxide and sulfone oxidation states of sulfur.

Alkyl groups include straight chain and branched alkyl groups andcycloalkyl groups having from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, and typicallyfrom 1 to 12 carbons (C₁-C₁₂ alkyl), or, in some embodiments, from 1 to8 carbon atoms (C₁-C₈ alkyl), or, in some embodiments, from 1 to 4carbon atoms (C₁-C₄ alkyl). Examples of straight chain alkyl groupsinclude, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl,n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, and n-octyl groups. Examples of branchedalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, isopropyl, iso-butyl,sec-butyl, t-butyl, neopentyl, isopentyl, and 2,2-dimethylpropyl groups.Alkyl groups as used herein may optionally include one or more furthersubstituent groups. Representative substituted alkyl groups can besubstituted one or more times with any of the groups listed above, forexample, amino, hydroxy, cyano, carboxy, nitro, thio, alkoxy, andhalogen groups.

Cycloalkyl groups are alkyl groups forming a ring structure, which canbe substituted or unsubstituted, wherein the ring is either completelysaturated, partially unsaturated, or fully unsaturated, wherein if thereis unsaturation, the conjugation of the pi-electrons in the ring do notgive rise to aromaticity. Examples of cycloalkyl include, but are notlimited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl,cycloheptyl, and cyclooctyl groups. In some embodiments, the cycloalkylgroup has 3 to 8 ring members, whereas in other embodiments the numberof ring carbon atoms range from 3 to 5, 3 to 6, or 3 to 7. Cycloalkylgroups further include polycyclic cycloalkyl groups such as, but notlimited to, norbornyl, adamantyl, bornyl, camphenyl, isocamphenyl, andcarenyl groups, and fused rings such as, but not limited to, decalinyl,and the like. Cycloalkyl groups also include rings that are substitutedwith straight or branched chain alkyl groups as defined above.Representative substituted cycloalkyl groups can be mono-substituted orsubstituted one or more times with any of the groups listed above, forexample, but not limited to, amino, hydroxy, cyano, carboxy, nitro,thio, alkoxy, and halogen groups.

The terms “carbocyclic” and “carbocycle” denote a ring structure whereinthe atoms of the ring are carbon. In some embodiments, the carbocyclehas 3 to 8 ring members, whereas in other embodiments the number of ringcarbon atoms is 4, 5, 6, or 7. Unless specifically indicated to thecontrary, the carbocyclic ring can be substituted with as many as Nsubstituents wherein N is the size of the carbocyclic ring with forexample, amino, hydroxy, cyano, carboxy, nitro, thio, alkoxy, andhalogen groups.

(Cycloalkyl)alkyl groups, also denoted cycloalkylalkyl, are alkyl groupsas defined above in which a hydrogen or carbon bond of the alkyl groupis replaced with a bond to a cycloalkyl group as defined above.

Alkenyl groups include straight and branched chain and cyclic alkylgroups as defined above, except that at least one double bond existsbetween two carbon atoms. Thus, alkenyl groups have from 2 to about 20carbon atoms, and typically from 2 to 12 carbons or, in someembodiments, from 2 to 8 carbon atoms. Examples include, but are notlimited to —CH═CH(CH₃), —CH═C(CH₃)₂, —C(CH₃)═CH₂, —C(CH₃)═CH(CH₃),—C(CH₂CH₃)═CH₂, vinyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexadienyl,butadienyl, pentadienyl, and hexadienyl among others.

The term “cycloalkenyl” alone or in combination denotes a cyclic alkenylgroup wherein at least one double bond is present in the ring structure.Cycloalkenyl groups include cycloalkyl groups having at least one doublebond between two adjacent carbon atoms. Thus for example, cycloalkenylgroups include but are not limited to cyclohexenyl, cyclopentenyl, andcyclohexadienyl groups.

(Cycloalkenyl)alkyl groups are alkyl groups as defined above in which ahydrogen or carbon bond of the alkyl group is replaced with a bond to acycloalkenyl group as defined above.

Alkynyl groups include straight and branched chain alkyl groups, exceptthat at least one triple bond exists between two carbon atoms. Thus,alkynyl groups have from 2 to about 20 carbon atoms, and typically from2 to 12 carbons or, in some embodiments, from 2 to 8 carbon atoms.Examples include, but are not limited to —C≡CH, —C≡C(CH₃), —C≡C(CH₂CH₃),—CH₂C≡CH, —CH₂C≡C(CH₃), and —CH₂C≡C(CH₂CH₃), among others.

Aryl groups are cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that do not containheteroatoms. Thus aryl groups include, but are not limited to, phenyl,azulenyl, heptalenyl, biphenyl, indacenyl, fluorenyl, phenanthrenyl,triphenylenyl, pyrenyl, naphthacenyl, chrysenyl, biphenylenyl,anthracenyl, and naphthyl groups. In some embodiments, aryl groupscontain 6-14 carbons in the ring portions of the groups. The phrase“aryl groups” includes groups containing fused rings, such as fusedaromatic-aliphatic ring systems (e.g., indanyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, andthe like), and also includes substituted aryl groups that have othergroups, including but not limited to alkyl, halo, amino, hydroxy, cyano,carboxy, nitro, thio, or alkoxy groups, bonded to one of the ring atoms.Representative substituted aryl groups can be mono-substituted orsubstituted more than once, such as, but not limited to, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-,or 6-substituted phenyl or naphthyl groups, which can be substitutedwith groups including but not limited to those listed above.

Aralkyl groups are alkyl groups as defined above in which a hydrogenatom of an alkyl group is replaced with an aryl group as defined above.Representative aralkyl groups include benzyl and phenylethyl groups andfused (cycloalkylaryl)alkyl groups such as 4-ethyl-indanyl. The arylmoiety or the alkyl moiety or both are optionally substituted with othergroups, including but not limited to alkyl, halo, amino, hydroxy, cyano,carboxy, nitro, thio, or alkoxy groups. Aralkenyl group are alkenylgroups as defined above in which a hydrogen or carbon bond of an alkylgroup is replaced with a bond to an aryl group as defined above.

Heterocyclyl groups include aromatic and non-aromatic ring compoundscontaining 3 or more ring members, of which one or more is a heteroatomsuch as, but not limited to, N, O, S, or P. In some embodiments,heterocyclyl groups include 3 to 20 ring members, whereas other suchgroups have 3 to 15 ring members. At least one ring contains aheteroatom, but every ring in a polycyclic system need not contain aheteroatom. For example, a dioxolanyl ring and a benzdioxolanyl ringsystem (methylenedioxyphenyl ring system) are both heterocyclyl groupswithin the meaning herein. A heterocyclyl group designated as aC₂-heterocyclyl can be a 5-ring with two carbon atoms and threeheteroatoms, a 6-ring with two carbon atoms and four heteroatoms and soforth. Likewise a C₄-heterocyclyl can be a 5-ring with one heteroatom, a6-ring with two heteroatoms, and so forth. The number of carbon atomsplus the number of heteroatoms sums up to equal the total number of ringatoms.

The phrase “heterocyclyl group” includes fused ring species includingthose having fused aromatic and non-aromatic groups. The phrase alsoincludes polycyclic ring systems containing a heteroatom such as, butnot limited to, quinuclidyl and also includes heterocyclyl groups thathave substituents, including but not limited to alkyl, halo, amino,hydroxy, cyano, carboxy, nitro, thio, or alkoxy groups, bonded to one ofthe ring members. A heterocyclyl group as defined herein can be aheteroaryl group or a partially or completely saturated cyclic groupincluding at least one ring heteroatom. Heterocyclyl groups include, butare not limited to, pyrrolidinyl, furanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl,tetrahydro-2H-pyranyl, dioxolanyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl,morpholinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, oxazolyl,isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyridinyl, thiophenyl, benzothiophenyl,benzofuranyl, dihydrobenzofuranyl, indolyl, dihydroindolyl, azaindolyl,indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, azabenzimidazolyl, benzoxazolyl,benzothiazolyl, benzothiadiazolyl, imidazopyridinyl, isoxazolopyridinyl,thianaphthalenyl, purinyl, xanthinyl, adeninyl, guaninyl, quinolinyl,isoquinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, and quinazolinylgroups. Heterocyclyl groups can be substituted. Representativesubstituted heterocyclyl groups can be mono-substituted or substitutedmore than once, including but not limited to, rings containing at leastone heteroatom which are mono, di, tri, tetra, penta, hexa, orhigher-substituted with substituents such as those listed above,including but not limited to alkyl, halo, amino, hydroxy, cyano,carboxy, nitro, thio, and alkoxy groups.

Heteroaryl groups are aromatic ring compounds containing 5 or more ringmembers, of which, one or more is a heteroatom such as, but not limitedto, N, O, and S. A heteroaryl group designated as a C₂-heteroaryl can bea 5-ring with two carbon atoms and three heteroatoms, a 6-ring with twocarbon atoms and four heteroatoms and so forth. Likewise a C₄-heteroarylcan be a 5-ring with one heteroatom, a 6-ring with two heteroatoms, andso forth. The number of carbon atoms plus the number of heteroatoms sumsup to equal the total number of ring atoms. Heteroaryl groups include,but are not limited to, groups such as pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridinyl,pyridazinyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, thienyl,triazolyl, tetrazolyl, triazinyl, thiazolyl, thiophenyl, oxazolyl,isoxazolyl, benzothiophenyl, benzofuranyl, indolyl, azaindolyl,indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, azabenzimidazolyl, benzoxazolyl,benzothiazolyl, benzothiadiazolyl, imidazopyridinyl, isoxazolopyridinyl,thianaphthalenyl, purinyl, xanthinyl, adeninyl, guaninyl, quinolinyl,isoquinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl,quinoxalinyl, and quinazolinyl groups. The terms “heteroaryl” and“heteroaryl groups” include fused ring compounds such as wherein atleast one ring, but not necessarily all rings, are aromatic, includingtetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, indolyl and 2,3-dihydroindolyl. The term also includes heteroaryl groups that have other groupsbonded to one of the ring members, including but not limited to alkyl,halo, amino, hydroxy, cyano, carboxy, nitro, thio, or alkoxy groups.Representative substituted heteroaryl groups can be substituted one ormore times with groups such as those listed above.

Additional examples of aryl and heteroaryl groups include but are notlimited to phenyl, biphenyl, indenyl, naphthyl (1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl),N-hydroxytetrazolyl, N-hydroxytriazolyl, N-hydroxyimidazolyl,anthracenyl (1-anthracenyl, 2-anthracenyl, 3-anthracenyl), thiophenyl(2-thienyl, 3-thienyl), furyl (2-furyl, 3-furyl), indolyl, oxadiazolyl,isoxazolyl, quinazolinyl, fluorenyl, xanthenyl, isoindanyl, benzhydryl,acridinyl, thiazolyl, pyrrolyl (2-pyrrolyl), pyrazolyl (3-pyrazolyl),imidazolyl (1-imidazolyl, 2-imidazolyl, 4-imidazolyl, 5-imidazolyl),triazolyl (1,2,3-triazol-1-yl, 1,2,3-triazol-2-yl 1,2,3-triazol-4-yl,1,2,4-triazol-3-yl), oxazolyl (2-oxazolyl, 4-oxazolyl, 5-oxazolyl),thiazolyl (2-thiazolyl, 4-thiazolyl, 5-thiazolyl), pyridyl (2-pyridyl,3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl), pyrimidinyl (2-pyrimidinyl, 4-pyrimidinyl,5-pyrimidinyl, 6-pyrimidinyl), pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl (3-pyridazinyl,4-pyridazinyl, 5-pyridazinyl), pyrazolo[1,5-α]pyridinyl, quinolyl(2-quinolyl, 3-quinolyl, 4-quinolyl, 5-quinolyl, 6-quinolyl, 7-quinolyl,8-quinolyl), isoquinolyl (1-isoquinolyl, 3-isoquinolyl, 4-isoquinolyl,5-isoquinolyl, 6-isoquinolyl, 7-isoquinolyl, 8-isoquinolyl),benzo[b]furanyl (2-benzo[b]furanyl, 3-benzo[b]furanyl,4-benzo[b]furanyl, 5-benzo[b]furanyl, 6-benzo[b]furanyl,7-benzo[b]furanyl), isobenzofuranyl, 2,3-dihydro-benzo[b]furanyl(2-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[b]furanyl), 3-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[b]furanyl),4-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[b]furanyl), 5-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[b]furanyl),6-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[b]furanyl), 7-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[b]furanyl),benzo[b]thiophenyl (2-benzo[b]thiophenyl, 3-benzo[b]thiophenyl,4-benzo[b]thiophenyl, 5-benzo[b]thiophenyl, 6-benzo[b]thiophenyl,7-benzo[b]thiophenyl), 2,3-dihydro-benzo[b]thiophenyl,(2-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[b]thiophenyl), 3-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[b]thiophenyl),4-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[b]thiophenyl), 5-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[b]thiophenyl),6-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[b]thiophenyl), 7-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[b]thiophenyl),indolyl (1-indolyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 4-indolyl, 5-indolyl,6-indolyl, 7-indolyl), indazole (1-indazolyl, 3-indazolyl, 4-indazolyl,5-indazolyl, 6-indazolyl, 7-indazolyl), benzimidazolyl(1-benzimidazolyl, 2-benzimidazolyl, 4-benzimidazolyl, 5-benzimidazolyl,6-benzimidazolyl, 7-benzimidazolyl, 8-benzimidazolyl), benzoxazolyl(1-benzoxazolyl, 2-benzoxazolyl), benzothiazolyl (1-benzothiazolyl,2-benzothiazolyl, 4-benzothiazolyl, 5-benzothiazolyl, 6-benzothiazolyl,7-benzothiazolyl), benzo[d]isoxazolyl, carbazolyl (1-carbazolyl,2-carbazolyl, 3-carbazolyl, 4-carbazolyl), 5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine(5H-dibenz[b,f]azepin-1-yl, 5H-dibenz [b,f]azepine-2-yl,5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine-3-yl, 5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine-4-yl,5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine-5-yl), 10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine(10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine-1-yl,10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine-2-yl,10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine-3-yl,10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine-4-yl,10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine-5-yl), and the like.

Heterocyclylalkyl groups are alkyl groups as defined above in which ahydrogen or carbon bond of an alkyl group is replaced with a bond to aheterocyclyl group as defined above. Representative heterocyclyl alkylgroups include, but are not limited to, furan-2-yl methyl, furan-3-ylmethyl, pyridine-2-yl methyl (α-picolyl), pyridine-3-yl methyl(β-picolyl), pyridine-4-yl methyl (γ-picolyl), tetrahydrofuran-2-ylethyl, and indol-2-yl propyl. Heterocyclylalkyl groups can besubstituted on the heterocyclyl moiety, the alkyl moiety, or both.

Heteroarylalkyl groups are alkyl groups as defined above in which ahydrogen or carbon bond of an alkyl group is replaced with a bond to aheteroaryl group as defined above. Heteroarylalkyl groups can besubstituted on the heteroaryl moiety, the alkyl moiety, or both.

By a “ring system” as the term is used herein is meant a moietycomprising one, two, three or more rings, which can be substituted withnon-ring groups or with other ring systems, or both, which can be fullysaturated, partially unsaturated, fully unsaturated, or aromatic, andwhen the ring system includes more than a single ring, the rings can befused, bridging, or spirocyclic. By “spirocyclic” is meant the class ofstructures wherein two rings are fused at a single tetrahedral carbonatom, as is well known in the art.

A “monocyclic, bicyclic or polycyclic, aromatic or partially aromaticring” as the term is used herein refers to a ring system including anunsaturated ring possessing 4n+2 pi electrons, or a partially reduced(hydrogenated) form thereof. The aromatic or partially aromatic ring caninclude additional fused, bridged, or spiro rings that are notthemselves aromatic or partially aromatic. For example, naphthalene andtetrahydronaphthalene are both a “monocyclic, bicyclic or polycyclic,aromatic or partially aromatic ring” within the meaning herein. Also,for example, a benzo-[2.2.2]-bicyclooctane is also a “monocyclic,bicyclic or polycyclic, aromatic or partially aromatic ring” within themeaning herein, containing a phenyl ring fused to a bridged bicyclicsystem. A fully saturated ring has no double bonds therein, and iscarbocyclic or heterocyclic depending on the presence of heteroatomswithin the meaning herein.

When two R groups are said to be joined together to form a ring, it ismeant that together with the carbon atom or a non-carbon atom (e.g.nitrogen atom), to which they are bonded, they may furthermore form aring system. In general, they are bonded to one another to form a 3- to7-membered ring, or a 5- to 7-membered ring. Non-limiting specificexamples are the cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, piperidinyl,piperazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolyl, pyridinyl.

The term “alkoxy” refers to an oxygen atom connected to an alkyl group,including a cycloalkyl group, as are defined above. Examples of linearalkoxy groups include but are not limited to methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy,n-butoxy, n-pentyloxy, n-hexyloxy, and the like. Examples of branchedalkoxy include but are not limited to isopropoxy, sec-butoxy,tert-butoxy, isopentyloxy, isohexyloxy, and the like. Examples of cyclicalkoxy include but are not limited to cyclopropyloxy, cyclobutyloxy,cyclopentyloxy, cyclohexyloxy, and the like.

The terms “aryloxy” and “arylalkoxy” refer to, respectively, an arylgroup bonded to an oxygen atom and an aralkyl group bonded to the oxygenatom at the alkyl moiety. Examples include but are not limited tophenoxy, naphthyloxy, and benzyloxy.

An “acyl” group as the term is used herein refers to a group containinga carbonyl moiety wherein the group is bonded via the carbonyl carbonatom. The carbonyl carbon atom is also bonded to another carbon atom,which can be part of an alkyl, aryl, aralkyl cycloalkyl,cycloalkylalkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, heteroaryl,heteroarylalkyl group or the like. In the special case wherein thecarbonyl carbon atom is bonded to a hydrogen, the group is a “formyl”group, an acyl group as the term is defined herein. An acyl group caninclude 0 to about 12-20 additional carbon atoms bonded to the carbonylgroup. An acyl group can include double or triple bonds within themeaning herein. An acryloyl group is an example of an acyl group. Anacyl group can also include heteroatoms within the meaning here. Anicotinoyl group (pyridyl-3-carbonyl) group is an example of an acylgroup within the meaning herein. Other examples include acetyl, benzoyl,phenylacetyl, pyridylacetyl, cinnamoyl, and acryloyl groups and thelike. When the group containing the carbon atom that is bonded to thecarbonyl carbon atom contains a halogen, the group is termed a“haloacyl” group. An example is a trifluoroacetyl group.

The term “amine” includes primary, secondary, and tertiary amineshaving, e.g., the formula N(group)₃ wherein each group can independentlybe H or non-H, such as alkyl, aryl, and the like. Amines include but arenot limited to R—NH₂, for example, alkylamines, arylamines,alkylarylamines; R₂NH wherein each R is independently selected, such asdialkylamines, diarylamines, aralkylamines, heterocyclylamines and thelike; and R₃N wherein each R is independently selected, such astrialkylamines, dialkylarylamines, alkyldiarylamines, triarylamines, andthe like. The term “amine” also includes ammonium ions as used herein.

An “amino” group is a substituent of the form —NH₂, —NHR, —NR₂, —NR₃ ⁺,wherein each R is independently selected, and protonated forms of each.Accordingly, any compound substituted with an amino group can be viewedas an amine.

An “ammonium” ion includes the unsubstituted ammonium ion NH₄ ⁺, butunless otherwise specified, it also includes any protonated orquaternarized forms of amines. Thus, trimethylammonium hydrochloride andtetramethylammonium chloride are both ammonium ions, and amines, withinthe meaning herein.

The term “amide” (or “amido”) includes C- and N-amide groups, i.e.,—C(O)NR₂, and —NRC(O)R groups, respectively. Amide groups thereforeinclude but are not limited to carbamoyl groups (—C(O)NH₂) and formamidegroups (—NHC(O)H). A “carboxamido” group is a group of the formulaC(O)NR₂, wherein R can be H, alkyl, aryl, etc.

The term “carbonyl,” refers to a —C(O)— group.

“Halo,” “halogen,” and “halide” include fluorine, chlorine, bromine andiodine.

The term “perhaloalkyl” refers to an alkyl group where all of thehydrogen atoms are replaced by halogen atoms. Perhaloalkyl groupsinclude, but are not limited to, —CF₃ and —C(CF₃)₃. The term “haloalkyl”refers to an alkyl group where some but not necessarily all of thehydrogen atoms are replaced by halogen atoms. Haloalkyl groups includebut are not limited to —CHF₂ and —CH₂F.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “composed of,” areopen-ended terms as used herein, and do not preclude the existence ofadditional elements or components. In a claim element, use of the forms“comprising,” “including,” “having,” or “composed of” means thatwhatever element is comprised, had, included, or composes is notnecessarily the only element encompassed by the subject of the clausethat contains that word.

A “salt” as is well known in the art includes an organic compound suchas a carboxylic acid, a sulfonic acid, or an amine, in ionic form, incombination with a counterion. For example, acids in their anionic formcan form salts with cations such as metal cations, for example sodium,potassium, and the like; with ammonium salts such as NH₄ ⁺ or thecations of various amines, including tetraalkyl ammonium salts such astetramethylammonium, or other cations such as trimethylsulfonium, andthe like. A “pharmaceutically acceptable” or “pharmacologicallyacceptable” salt is a salt formed from an ion that has been approved forhuman consumption and is generally non-toxic, such as a chloride salt ora sodium salt. A “zwitterion” is an internal salt such as can be formedin a molecule that has at least two ionizable groups, one forming ananion and the other a cation, which serve to balance each other. Forexample, amino acids such as glycine can exist in a zwitterionic form. A“zwitterion” is a salt within the meaning herein. The compounds of thepresent invention may take the form of salts. The term “salts” embracesaddition salts of free acids or free bases which are compounds of theinvention. Salts can be “pharmaceutically-acceptable salts.” The term“pharmaceutically-acceptable salt” refers to salts which possesstoxicity profiles within a range that affords utility in pharmaceuticalapplications. Pharmaceutically unacceptable salts may nonethelesspossess properties such as high crystallinity, which have utility in thepractice of the present invention, such as for example utility inprocess of synthesis, purification or formulation of compounds of theinvention.

Suitable pharmaceutically-acceptable acid addition salts may be preparedfrom an inorganic acid or from an organic acid. Examples of inorganicacids include hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydriodic, nitric, carbonic,sulfuric, and phosphoric acids. Appropriate organic acids may beselected from aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic, araliphatic,heterocyclic, carboxylic and sulfonic classes of organic acids, examplesof which include formic, acetic, propionic, succinic, glycolic,gluconic, lactic, malic, tartaric, citric, ascorbic, glucuronic, maleic,fumaric, pyruvic, aspartic, glutamic, benzoic, anthranilic,4-hydroxybenzoic, phenylacetic, mandelic, embonic (pamoic),methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, benzenesulfonic, pantothenic,trifluoromethanesulfonic, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic, p-toluenesulfonic,sulfanilic, cyclohexylaminosulfonic, stearic, alginic, β-hydroxybutyric,salicylic, galactaric and galacturonic acid. Examples ofpharmaceutically unacceptable acid addition salts include, for example,perchlorates and tetrafluoroborates.

Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts of compounds ofthe invention include, for example, metallic salts including alkalimetal, alkaline earth metal and transition metal salts such as, forexample, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and zinc salts.Pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts also include organicsalts made from basic amines such as, for example,N,N-dibenzylethylenediamine, chloroprocaine, choline, diethanolamine,ethylenediamine, meglumine (N-methylglucamine) and procaine. Examples ofpharmaceutically unacceptable base addition salts include lithium saltsand cyanate salts. Although pharmaceutically unacceptable salts are notgenerally useful as medicaments, such salts may be useful, for exampleas intermediates in the synthesis of Formula I compounds, for example intheir purification by recrystallization. All of these salts may beprepared by conventional means from the corresponding compound accordingto Formula I by reacting, for example, the appropriate acid or base withthe compound according to Formula I. The term “pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts” refers to nontoxic inorganic or organic acid and/orbase addition salts, see, for example, Lit et al., Salt Selection forBasic Drugs (1986), Int J. Pharm., 33, 201-217, incorporated byreference herein.

A “hydrate” is a compound that exists in a composition with watermolecules. The composition can include water in stoichiometicquantities, such as a monohydrate or a dihydrate, or can include waterin random amounts. As the term is used herein a “hydrate” refers to asolid form, i.e., a compound in water solution, while it may behydrated, is not a hydrate as the term is used herein.

A “solvate” is a similar composition except that a solvent other thatwater replaces the water. For example, methanol or ethanol can form an“alcoholate”, which can again be stoichiometic or non-stoichiometric. Asthe term is used herein a “solvate” refers to a solid form, i.e., acompound in solution in a solvent, while it may be solvated, is not asolvate as the term is used herein.

A “prodrug” as is well known in the art is a substance that can beadministered to a patient where the substance is converted in vivo bythe action of biochemicals within the patients body, such as enzymes, tothe active pharmaceutical ingredient. Examples of prodrugs includeesters of carboxylic acid groups, which can be hydrolyzed by endogenousesterases as are found in the bloodstream of humans and other mammals.

In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described interms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe invention is also thereby described in terms of any individualmember or subgroup of members of the Markush group. For example, if X isdescribed as selected from the group consisting of bromine, chlorine,and iodine, claims for X being bromine and claims for X being bromineand chlorine are fully described. Moreover, where features or aspects ofthe invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled inthe art will recognize that the invention is also thereby described interms of any combination of individual members or subgroups of membersof Markush groups. Thus, for example, if X is described as selected fromthe group consisting of bromine, chlorine, and iodine, and Y isdescribed as selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, andpropyl, claims for X being bromine and Y being methyl are fullydescribed.

Compositions and Combination Treatments

The GLP-1 compounds, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts orhydrolyzable esters of the present invention may be combined with apharmaceutically acceptable carrier to provide pharmaceuticalcompositions useful for treating the biological conditions or disordersnoted herein in mammalian species, and more preferably, in humans. Theparticular carrier employed in these pharmaceutical compositions mayvary depending upon the type of administration desired (e.g.intravenous, oral, topical, suppository, or parenteral).

In preparing the compositions in oral liquid dosage forms (e.g.suspensions, elixirs and solutions), typical pharmaceutical media, suchas water, glycols, oils, alcohols, flavoring agents, preservatives,coloring agents and the like can be employed. Similarly, when preparingoral solid dosage forms (e.g. powders, tablets and capsules), carrierssuch as starches, sugars, diluents, granulating agents, lubricants,binders, disintegrating agents and the like can be employed.

Another aspect of an embodiment of the invention provides compositionsof the compounds of the invention, alone or in combination with anotherGLP-1 agonist or another type of therapeutic agent, or both. Forexample, in certain embodiments, such combination includes a peptidicGLP-1 agonist, such as exenatide which is marketed as Byetta® for thetreatment of diabetes mellitus type II, or a DPP-4 (dipeptidylpeptidase-4) inhibitor, such as sitagliptin or sitagliptin phosphatewhich is marketed as Januvia® or an oral antihyperglycemic.

As set forth herein, compounds of the invention include stereoisomers,tautomers, solvates, hydrates, salts including pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts, and mixtures thereof. Compositions containing acompound of the invention can be prepared by conventional techniques,e.g. as described in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy,19th Ed., 1995, incorporated by reference herein. The compositions canappear in conventional forms, for example capsules, tablets, aerosols,solutions, suspensions or topical applications.

Typical compositions include a compound of the invention and apharmaceutically acceptable excipient which can be a carrier or adiluent. For example, the active compound will usually be mixed with acarrier, or diluted by a carrier, or enclosed within a carrier which canbe in the form of an ampoule, capsule, sachet, paper, or othercontainer. When the active compound is mixed with a carrier, or when thecarrier serves as a diluent, it can be solid, semi-solid, or liquidmaterial that acts as a vehicle, excipient, or medium for the activecompound. The active compound can be adsorbed on a granular solidcarrier, for example contained in a sachet. Some examples of suitablecarriers are water, salt solutions, alcohols, polyethylene glycols,polyhydroxyethoxylated castor oil, peanut oil, olive oil, gelatin,lactose, terra alba, sucrose, dextrin, magnesium carbonate, sugar,cyclodextrin, amylose, magnesium stearate, talc, gelatin, agar, pectin,acacia, stearic acid or lower alkyl ethers of cellulose, silicic acid,fatty acids, fatty acid amines, fatty acid monoglycerides anddiglycerides, pentaerythritol fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene,hydroxymethylcellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Similarly, the carrieror diluent can include any sustained release material known in the art,such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate, alone or mixedwith a wax.

The formulations can be mixed with auxiliary agents which do notdeleteriously react with the active compounds. Such additives caninclude wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, salt forinfluencing osmotic pressure, buffers and/or coloring substancespreserving agents, sweetening agents or flavoring agents. Thecompositions can also be sterilized if desired.

The route of administration can be any route which effectivelytransports the active compound of the invention to the appropriate ordesired site of action, such as oral, nasal, pulmonary, buccal,subdermal, intradermal, transdermal or parenteral, e.g., rectal, depot,subcutaneous, intravenous, intraurethral, intramuscular, intranasal,ophthalmic solution or an ointment, the oral route being preferred.

For parenteral administration, the carrier will typically comprisesterile water, although other ingredients that aid solubility or serveas preservatives can also be included. Furthermore, injectablesuspensions can also be prepared, in which case appropriate liquidcarriers, suspending agents and the like can be employed.

For topical administration, the compounds of the present invention canbe formulated using bland, moisturizing bases such as ointments orcreams.

If a solid carrier is used for oral administration, the preparation canbe tabletted, placed in a hard gelatin capsule in powder or pellet formor it can be in the form of a troche or lozenge. If a liquid carrier isused, the preparation can be in the form of a syrup, emulsion, softgelatin capsule or sterile injectable liquid such as an aqueous ornon-aqueous liquid suspension or solution.

Injectable dosage forms generally include aqueous suspensions or oilsuspensions which can be prepared using a suitable dispersant or wettingagent and a suspending agent Injectable forms can be in solution phaseor in the form of a suspension, which is prepared with a solvent ordiluent. Acceptable solvents or vehicles include sterilized water,Ringer's solution, or an isotonic aqueous saline solution.Alternatively, sterile oils can be employed as solvents or suspendingagents. Preferably, the oil or fatty acid is non-volatile, includingnatural or synthetic oils, fatty acids, mono-, di- or tri-glycerides.

For injection, the formulation can also be a powder suitable forreconstitution with an appropriate solution as described above. Examplesof these include, but are not limited to, freeze dried, rotary dried orspray dried powders, amorphous powders, granules, precipitates, orparticulates. For injection, the formulations can optionally containstabilizers, pH modifiers, surfactants, bioavailability modifiers andcombinations of these. The compounds can be formulated for parenteraladministration by injection such as by bolus injection or continuousinfusion. A unit dosage form for injection can be in ampoules or inmulti-dose containers.

The formulations of the invention can be designed to provide quick,sustained, or delayed release of the active ingredient afteradministration to the patient by employing procedures well known in theart. Thus, the formulations can also be formulated for controlledrelease or for slow release.

Compositions contemplated by the present invention can include, forexample, micelles or liposomes, or some other encapsulated form, or canbe administered in an extended release form to provide a prolongedstorage and/or delivery effect. Therefore, the formulations can becompressed into pellets or cylinders and implanted intramuscularly orsubcutaneously as depot injections. Such implants can employ known inertmaterials such as silicones and biodegradable polymers, e.g.,polylactide-polyglycolide. Examples of other biodegradable polymersinclude poly(orthoesters) and poly(anhydrides).

For nasal administration, the preparation can contain a compound of theinvention, dissolved or suspended in a liquid carrier, preferably anaqueous carrier, for aerosol application. The carrier can containadditives such as solubilizing agents, e.g., propylene glycol,surfactants, absorption enhancers such as lecithin (phosphatidylcholine)or cyclodextrin, or preservatives such as parabens.

For parenteral application, particularly suitable are injectablesolutions or suspensions, preferably aqueous solutions with the activecompound dissolved in polyhydroxylated castor oil.

Dosage forms can be administered daily, or more than once a day, such astwice or thrice daily. Alternatively dosage forms can be administeredless frequently than daily, such as every other day, or weekly, if foundto be advisable by a prescribing physician.

An embodiment of the invention also encompasses prodrugs of a compoundof the invention which on administration undergo chemical conversion bymetabolic or other physiological processes before becoming activepharmacological substances. Conversion by metabolic or otherphysiological processes includes without limitation enzymatic (e.g,specific enzymatically catalyzed) and non-enzymatic (e.g., general orspecific acid or base induced) chemical transformation of the prodruginto the active pharmacological substance. In general, such prodrugswill be functional derivatives of a compound of the invention which arereadily convertible in vivo into a compound of the invention.Conventional procedures for the selection and preparation of suitableprodrug derivatives are described, for example, in Design of Prodrugs,ed. H. Bundgaard, Elsevier, 1985.

In another embodiment, there are provided methods of making acomposition of a compound described herein including formulating acompound of the invention with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier ordiluent. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier ordiluent is suitable for oral administration. In some such embodiments,the methods can further include the step of formulating the compositioninto a tablet or capsule. In other embodiments, the pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier or diluent is suitable for parenteral administration.In some such embodiments, the methods further include the step oflyophilizing the composition to form a lyophilized preparation.

The compounds of the invention can be used therapeutically incombination with i) one or more other GLP-1 modulators and/or ii) one ormore other types of therapeutic agents which can be administered orallyin the same dosage form, in a separate oral dosage form (e.g.,sequentially or non-sequentially) or by injection together or separately(e.g., sequentially or non-sequentially). Examples of combinationtherapeutic agents include Sitagliptin (MK-0431,Januvia) an oralantihyperglycemic (antidiabetic drug) of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4(DPP-4) inhibitor class and Exenatide (Byetta) an incretin mimetic.

Combinations of the invention include mixtures of compounds from (a) and(b) in a single formulation and compounds from (a) and (b) as separateformulations. Some combinations of the invention can be packaged asseparate formulations in a kit. In some embodiments, two or morecompounds from (b) are formulated together while a compound of theinvention is formulated separately.

The dosages and formulations for the other agents to be employed, whereapplicable, will be as set out in the latest edition of the Physicians'Desk Reference, incorporated herein by reference.

Methods of Treatment

In certain embodiments, the present invention encompasses compounds thatbind with high affinity and specificity to the GLP-1 receptor in anagonist manner.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method foractivating or agonizing (i.e., to have an agonist effect, to act as anagonist) a GLP-1 receptor, with a compound of the invention. The methodinvolves contacting the receptor with a suitable concentration of aninventive compound to bring about activation of the receptor. Thecontacting can take place in vitro, for example in carrying out an assayto determine the GLP-1 receptor activation activity of an inventivecompound undergoing experimentation related to a submission forregulatory approval.

In certain embodiments, the method for activating an GLP-1 receptor, canalso be carried out in vivo, that is, within the living body of amammal, such as a human patient or a test animal. The inventive compoundcan be supplied to the living organism via one of the routes asdescribed above, e.g., orally, or can be provided locally within thebody tissues. In the presence of the inventive compound, activation ofthe receptor takes place, and the effect thereof can be studied.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of treatment ofa malcondition in a patient for which activation of an GLP-1 receptor ismedically indicated, wherein the patient is administered the inventivecompound in a dosage, at a frequency, and for a duration to produce abeneficial effect on the patient. The inventive compound can beadministered by any suitable means, examples of which are describedabove.

PREPARATION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS General Synthetic Methods forPreparing Compounds

Molecular embodiments of the present invention can be synthesized usingstandard synthetic techniques known to those of skill in the art.Compounds of the present invention can be synthesized using the generalsynthetic procedures set forth in Schemes 1-8.

Intermediates containing the (R)-enantiomer of the tert-butyl protectedacid were prepared in the same manner as outlined in Scheme 1 using the(R)-enantiomer of the acid in Step (i).Racemic intermediates were prepared in the same manner as outlined inScheme 1 using the racemic acid in Step (i).

Compounds containing the (R)-enantiomer of the acid were prepared in thesame manner as outlined in Scheme 2 using the (R)-enantiomer of thetert-butyl protected acid in Step (i).

Racemic compounds were prepared in the same manner as outlined in Scheme2 using the racemic tert-butyl protected acid in Step (i).

Compounds containing the (R)-enantiomer of the acid were prepared in thesame manner as outlined in Scheme 3 using the (R)-enantiomer of thet-butyl protected acid in Step (i).

Racemic compounds were prepared in the same manner as outlined in Scheme3 using the racemic tert-butyl protected acid in Step (i).

Compounds containing the (R)-enantiomer of the acid were prepared in thesame manner as outlined in Scheme 4 using the (R)-enantiomer of thetert-butyl protected acid in Step (iii).

Racemic compounds were prepared in the same manner as outlined in Scheme4 using the racemic tert-butyl protected acid in Step (iii).

Compounds containing the (R)-enantiomer of the amide were prepared inthe same manner as outlined in Scheme 5 using the (R)-enantiomer of theacid in Step (i).

Racemic compounds were prepared in the same manner as outlined in Scheme5 using the racemic acid in Step (i).

Compounds containing the (R)-enantiomer of the acid were prepared in thesame manner as outlined in Scheme 6 using the (R)-enantiomer of theprotected-acid in Step (i).

Racemic compounds were prepared in the same manner as outlined in Scheme6 using the racemic protected-acid in Step (i).

Compounds containing the (R)-enantiomer of the acid were prepared in thesame manner as outlined in Scheme 7 using the (R)-enantiomer of theprotected-acid in Step (i).

Racemic compounds were prepared in the same manner as outlined in Scheme7 using the racemic protected-acid in Step (i).

Compounds containing the (S)-enantiomer of the acid were preparedaccording to Scheme 8.

Compounds containing the (R)-enantiomer of the acid were prepared in thesame manner as outlined in Scheme 8 except instead of using the(R)-enantiomer of the protected-acid in Step (i).

Racemic compounds were prepared in the same manner as outlined in Scheme8 using the racemic protected-acid in Step (i).

EXAMPLES

The invention is further illustrated by the following examples.

The examples below are non-limiting and are merely representative ofvarious aspects of the invention.

General Methods

¹H NMR (400 MHz) and ¹³C NMR (100 MHz) were obtained in solution ofdeuterochloroform (CDCl₃) or dimethyl sulfoxide—D₆ (DMSO). NMR spectrawere processed using Mestrec 5.3.0, MestReNova 6.0.3-5604 orMestreNovaLITE 5.2.5-5780. Mass spectra (LCMS) were obtained using oneof 4 systems. System 1: Agilent 1100/6110 HPLC system equipped with aThompson ODS-A, 100A, 5μ (50×4.6 mm) column using water with 0.1% formicacid as the mobile phase A, and acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid asthe mobile phase B. Method 1: 20-100% mobile phase B over 2.5 min thenheld at 100% for 2.5 mins with a flow rate of 1 mL/min. Method 2: 5%mobile phase B for 1 min, 5-95% over 9 min, then held at 95% for 5 min,with a flow rate of 1 mL/min. Method 3: 20-100% mobile phase B over 2.5min then held at 100% for 4.5 mins with a flow rate of 1 mL/min. System2: Agilent 1200 LCMS equipped with an Agilent Zorbax Extend RRHT 1.8 μm(4.6×30 mm) column using water with 0.1% formic acid as mobile phase Aand acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid as mobile phase B. Method 4:5-95% mobile phase B over 3.0 min with a flow rate of 2.5 ml/min, thenheld at 95% for 0.5 min with an flow rate of 4.5 mL/min. Method 5: 5-95%mobile phase B over 14 min with a flow rate of 2.5 mL/min, then held at95% for 0.5 min with an flow rate of 4.5 mL/min. System 3: WatersFractionlynx LCMS system equipped with an Agilent Zorbax Extend RRHT 1.8μm, (4.6×30 mm) column using water with 0.1% formic acid as mobile phaseA and acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid as mobile phase B. Method 6:5-95% mobile phase B over 3.0 min with a flow rate of 2.5 ml/min, thenheld at 95% for 0.5 min with an flow rate of 4.5 mL/min. Method 7: 5-95%mobile phase B over 14 min with a flow rate of 2.5 ml/min, then held at95% for 0.5 min with an flow rate of 4.5 mL/min. System 4: Agilent 1260LCMS equipped with an Agilent Zorbax Extend RRHT 1.8 μm (4.6×30 mm)column using water with 0.1% formic acid as mobile phase A andacetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid as mobile phase B. Method 8: 5-95%mobile phase B over 14 min with a flow rate of 2.5 mL/min, then held at95% for 0.5 min with an flow rate of 4.5 mL/min. Pyridine,dichloromethane (DCM), tetrahydrofuran (THF), and toluene used in theprocedures were from Aldrich Sure-Seal bottles or Acros AcroSeal drysolvent and kept under nitrogen (N₂). All reactions were stirredmagnetically and temperatures are external reaction temperatures.Chromatographies were carried out using either a Combiflash Rf orCombiflash Companion flash purification system (Teledyne Isco) equippedwith either Redisep (Teledyne Isco), Telos (Kinesis) or GraceResolv(Grace Davison Discovery Sciences) silica gel (SiO₂) columns.Preparative HPLC purifications were done on one of two systems. System1: Varian ProStar/PrepStar system equipped with a Waters SunFire PrepC18 OBD, 5 μm, 19×150 mm column using water containing 0.05%trifluoroacetic acid as mobile phase A, and acetonitrile with 0.05%trifluoroacetic acid as mobile phase B. The gradient was 40-95% mobilephase B over 10 min, held at 95% for 5-10 min, and then return to 40%over 2 min with flow rate of 18 mL/min. Fractions were collected using aVarian Prostar fraction collector by UV detection at 254 nm and wereevaporated using a Savant SpeedVac Plus vacuum pump or a Genevac EZ-2.System 2: Waters Fractionlynx system equipped with an Agilent Prep-C18,5 μm, 21.2×50 mm column using water containing 0.1% formic acid asmobile phase A, and acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid as mobile phaseB. The gradient was 45-95% mobile phase B over 7.5 min, held at 95% for1 min, and then returned to 45% over 1.5 min with flow rate of 28mL/min. Fractions were collected by UV detection at 254 nm or by massand evaporated using a Genevac EZ-2. Compounds with salt-able centerswere presumed to be the trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) or formic acid salts.Hydrogenation reactions were performed using a Thales NanotechnologyH-Cube reactor equipped with the specified CatCart or using standardlaboratory techniques. The following abbreviations are used: ethylacetate (EA), triethylamine (TEA), N-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt),1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC),isopropanol (IPA), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethyl acetamide(DMA), Di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (Boc₂O), 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME),N,N-Diisopropylethylamine (DIEA) acetic acid (AcOH),O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluroniumhexafluorophosphate (HATU), N-methyl morpholine (NMM),4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF).

Experimental Procedures

General Procedure 1: Preparation of t-Butyl Protected Acids

Finely ground carboxylic acid (1 eq) was added to tert-butyl acetate(0.033 M). The mixture was sonicated to give a suspension.Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (1.3 eq) was added with stirring and themixture was stirred overnight. The crude reaction was poured into amixture of 2N NaOH, brine, ice, and EA and basified to pH 9 with solidK₂CO₃. The mixture was filtered through celite and extracted with EA.The organics were dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. The product waspurified by chromatography.

tert-butyl 2-amino-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propanoate (INT-1)

Prepared using General Procedure 1: To tert-butyl acetate (192 ml, 1435mmol) was added finely ground2-amino-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propanoic acid (10.1 g, 47.8 mmol).The mixture was sonicated for 10 min to give a suspension.Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (5.50 ml, 62.2 mmol) was added withstirring and the mixture was stirred overnight. The crude reaction waspoured into a mixture of 2N NaOH (150 mL), brine (100 mL), ice (200 mL),and EA (100 mL) and basified to pH 9 with solid K₂CO₃. The mixture wasfiltered through celite and extracted with EA (2×100 mL). The organicswere dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. The product residue was purifiedby chromatography (MeOH/DCM) to afford 4.75 g (37%) of tert-butyl2-amino-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propanoate INT-1. LCMS-ESI (m/z)calculated for C₁₄H₂₁NO₄: 267. Found 268 [M+H]⁺, t_(R)=0.9 min (Method4). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) δ 8.71 (s, 1H), 6.76-6.71 (d, J=1.9 Hz, 1H),6.70-6.61 (m, 1H), 6.60-6.53 (m, 1H), 3.75-3.68 (s, 3H), 3.32 (s, 1H),2.68 (m, 2H), 1.75 (s, 2H), 1.33 (s, 9H).

General Procedure 2: Preparation of Cbz Protected Amines

To a stirred solution of the appropriate amine (1 eq) and a base (eitherTEA or NaHCO₃) (1.5-2.5 eq) in an appropriate solvent (either DCM orTHF) (0.35-1.00 M) at 0° C. was treated with benzyl carbonochloridate(1.05-1.20 eq) dropwise over 5 min. The reaction mixture was stirred atroom temperature until the reaction was complete. The crude mixture waswashed with 1M HCl, dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated. The product waspurified by chromatography.

Tert-butyl2-(((benzyloxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propanoate(INT-2)

Prepared using General Procedure 2: To a stirred solution of tert-butyl2-amino-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propanoate INT-1 (5.29 g, 19.8mmol) and TEA (4.29 mL, 29.7 mmol) in DCM (50 mL) at 0° C. was treatedwith benzyl carbonochloridate (3.00 mL, 21.1 mmol) dropwise over 5 min.After stirring for 10 min, the mixture was washed with 1M HCl (150 mL),dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated. The residue was taken up in MeOH (20mL) and treated with 2 N NaOH (5 mL). After 10 min, the mixture wasacidified and the product was purified by chromatography (EA/hexanes) toafford 4.7 g (59%) of tert-butyl2-(((benzyloxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propanoateINT-2. LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculated for C₂₂H₂₇NO₆: 401. Found 424 [M+Na]⁺,t_(R)=2.47 min (Method 6).

General Procedure 3: Preparation of Aryl Esters via Acid Chlorides

To a stirred solution of the phenol (1 eq) and TEA (1.8-3.0 eq) in DCM(0.23-1.00 M) at 0° C. was added the appropriate acid chloride (1.05 eq)dropwise. Alternatively, acetonitrile (0.5 M) can be used as aco-solvent. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature untilthe reaction was complete. The crude mixture was quenched with saturatedaqueous NaHCO₃ and water. The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ andconcentrated. The product was purified by chromatography.

4-(2-(((benzyloxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-(tert-butoxy)-3-oxopropyl)-2-methoxyphenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate (INT-3)

Prepared using General Procedure 3: To a stirred solution of tert-butyl2-(((benzyloxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propanoateINT-2 (4.7 g, 11.71 mmol) and TEA (3.05 mL, 21.07 mmol) in DCM (50 mL)at 0° C. was added 4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl chloride (2.95 mL, 12.29 mmol)dropwise. After warming to room temperature and stirring for 10 min, themixture was quenched with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ (50 mL) and water (50mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. Theproduct was purified by chromatography (EA/hexanes) to afford 5.46 g(75%) of4-(2-(((benzyloxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-(tert-butoxy)-3-oxopropyl)-2-methoxyphenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate INT-3. LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculated for C₃₆H₄₅NO₈:619. Found 564 [M+H-tBu]⁺, t_(R)=3.22 min (Method 4).

(S)-4-(2-(((benzyloxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-(tert-butoxy)-3-oxopropyl)phenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate (INT-4)

Prepared using General Procedure 3: To a stirred solution of(S)-tert-butyl2-(((benzyloxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoate (5.57 g,15.0 mmol) and TEA (6.27 mL, 45.0 mmol) in DCM (15 mL) and acetonitrile(30 mL) was added 4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl chloride (3.78 mL, 15.75 mmol)dropwise. After stirring overnight, the mixture was quenched withsaturated aqueous NaHCO₃ (50 mL). The organic layer was dried overMgSO₄, and concentrated. The product was purified by chromatography(EA/hexanes) to afford 8.19 g (93%) of(S)-4-(2-(((benzyloxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-(tert-butoxy)-3-oxopropyl)phenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate INT-4. LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculated for C₃₅H₄₃NO₇:589; no mass ion observed, t_(R)=5.26 min (Method 3). ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CDCl₃) δ 8.17-8.08 (m, 2H), 7.41-7.28 (m, 5H), 7.19 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H),7.15-7.07 (m, 2H), 7.01-6.91 (m, 2H), 5.35-5.23 (m, 1H), 5.17-5.04 (m,2H), 4.54 (dd, J=13.9, 6.1 Hz, 1H), 4.04 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 3.10 (d,J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 1.91-1.76 (m, 2H), 1.47 (ddd, J=15.2, 8.9, 6.7 Hz, 2H),1.43-1.36 (m, 10H), 1.36-1.30 (m, 5H), 0.90 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 3H).

General Procedure 4: Deprotection of Cbz and Benzyl Groups

A solution of the Cbz- or benzyl protected amine or alcohol (1 eq) inalcoholic solvent (0.059-0.250 M) and AcOH (2-10 eq) was hydrogenatedover Pd/C (5 mol %) using either conventional hydrogenation conditionsor an H-cube system. After complete conversion, the catalyst and solventwere removed to give product which was used without purification insubsequent steps.

4-(2-amino-3-(tert-butoxy)-3-oxopropyl)-2-methoxyphenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate (INT-5)

Prepared using General Procedure 4: A solution of4-(2-(((benzyloxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-(tert-butoxy)-3-oxopropyl)-2-methoxyphenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate INT-3 (5.46 g, 8.81 mmol) and AcOH (5 mL) in MeOH(150 mL) was passed through the H-cube system with 10% Pd/C as acatalyst at 1 mL/min and 45° C. The reaction mixture was evaporated,dissolved in DCM (50 mL), and washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ (200mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated to afford3.93 g (92%) of 4-(2-amino-3-(tert-butoxy)-3-oxopropyl)-2-methoxyphenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate INT-5. LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculated for C₂₈H₃₉NO₆:485. Found 430 [M+H-tBu]⁺, t_(R)=2.15 min (Method 4). ¹H NMR (400 MHz,DMSO) δ 8.06-7.99 (m, 2H), 7.12-7.05 (m, 3H), 7.02-6.98 (d, J=1.9 Hz,1H), 6.85-6.78 (dd, J=8.1, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 4.11-4.03 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H),3.71 (s, 3H), 3.51-3.45 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 1H), 2.87-2.73 (dt, J=16.9, 6.5Hz, 2H), 1.91 (s, 2H), 1.79-1.69 (p, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 1.47-1.23 (m, 17H),0.90-0.83 (m, 3H).

(S)-4-(2-amino-3-(tert-butoxy)-3-oxopropyl)phenyl 4-(heptyloxy)benzoate(INT-6)

Prepared using General Procedure 4: A solution of4-(2-(((benzyloxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-(tert-butoxy)-3-oxopropyl)-2-methoxyphenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate INT-4 (4.94 g, 8.38 mmol) and AcOH (0.96 mL) inEtOH (33.5 mL) was degassed under N₂ flow. Pd/C (10 wt % 0.45 g, 0.42mmol) was added and the suspension was degassed under N₂ flow. Thereaction vessel was flushed with hydrogen gas and the reaction wasstirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen for 3 hr. The reaction wasdiluted with DCM (50 mL) and filtered over celite. The product wasconcentrated under reduced pressure to give 3.37 g (88%) of(S)-4-(2-amino-3-(tert-butoxy)-3-oxopropyl)phenyl 4-(heptyloxy)benzoateINT-6. LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculated for C₂₇H₃₇NO₅: 455. Found 478 [M+Na]⁺,t_(R)=3.11 min (Method 3). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.12 (d, J=8.9 Hz,2H), 7.28 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.17-7.09 (m, 2H), 7.02-6.91 (m, 2H), 4.04(t, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 3.72-3.64 (m, 1H), 3.08 (dd, J=13.7, 5.8 Hz, 1H),2.92 (dd, J=13.7, 7.6 Hz, 1H), 2.09 (s, 3H), 1.87-1.76 (m, 2H),1.55-1.46 (m, 1H), 1.44 (s, 9H), 1.41-1.23 (m, 6H), 0.90 (t, J=6.9 Hz,3H).

General Procedure 5: Preparation of Amides via Acid Chlorides

To a solution of amine (1 eq) and base (either DIEA or TEA) (2 eq) inDCM (0.06-0.30 M) was treated with the appropriate acid chloride(1.0-1.5 eq). The reaction mixture was stirred until the reaction wascomplete. The reaction was diluted with DCM and washed with saturatedaqueous NaHCO₃. The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated.The product was purified by chromatography. Alternatively, the crudereaction mixture can be carried on to the next step without furtherpurification.

General Procedure 6: Preparation of Amides via Peptide Coupling

A solution of amine (1 eq) and base (either DIEA, TEA or NMM) (2-3 eq)in DMF (0.08-0.10 M) was treated with the appropriate carboxylic acid(1.0-1.5 eq). To this mixture was added HATU (1.05-2.5 eq) or EDC (1.5eq) and HOBt (1.5 eq). The reaction mixture was stirred until thereaction was complete. The reaction was diluted with EA and washed withsaturated aqueous NaHCO₃. The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ andconcentrated. The product was purified by chromatography. Alternatively,the crude reaction mixture can be carried on to the next step withoutfurther purification.

General Procedure 7: Deprotection of t-Butyl Esters to Acids

A solution of the tert-butyl ester (1 eq) in DCM (0.06 M) was treatedwith TFA (0.16-0.33 M). The reaction mixture was stirred at either roomtemperature or 30° C. until complete. The solvent was removed and theproduct was purified by chromatography or preparative HPLC.

Compounds 1-10 were prepared from INT-5 using General Procedures 5 or 6,then 7 sequentially.

3-(4-((4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl)oxy)-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-methoxybenzamido)propanoicacid (Compound 2)

Prepared using General Procedures 5 and 7: To a solution of4-(2-amino-3-(tert-butoxy)-3-oxopropyl)-2-methoxyphenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate INT-5 (30.0 mg, 0.062 mmol) and TEA (17.2 μL,0.124 mmol) in DCM (1 mL) was added 4-methoxybenzoyl chloride (15.9 mg,0.093 mmol). After stirring for 2 h, the solvent was evaporated to givethe intermediate tert-butyl ester.

A crude solution of4-(3-(tert-butoxy)-2-(4-methoxybenzamido)-3-oxopropyl)-2-methoxyphenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate in DCM (1 mL) was treated with TFA (0.1 mL) andstirred overnight at 30° C. The solvent was evaporated and the residuewas purified by preparative HPLC to give 16.9 mg (48%) of3-(4-(4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl)oxy)-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-methoxybenzamido)propanoicacid 2. LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculated for C₃₂H₃₇NO₈: 563. Found 564 [M+H]⁺,t_(R)=11.01 min (Method 2). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) δ 12.79 (s, 1H), 8.57(d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.82 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H), 7.13(d, J=1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.11-7.03 (m, 3H), 6.99 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H), 6.92 (dd,J=8.1, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 4.61 (ddd, J=10.8, 8.1, 4.4 Hz, 1H), 4.07 (t, J=6.5Hz, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.20 (dd, J=13.8, 4.2 Hz, 1H), 3.08(dd, J=13.7, 10.7 Hz, 1H), 1.84-1.66 (m, 2H), 1.51-1.17 (m, 8H), 0.87(t, J=6.9 Hz, 3H).

Compounds 11-61 were prepared from INT-6 using General Procedures 5 or6, then 7 sequentially.

(S)-2-(4-(tert-butyl)benzamido)-3-(4-((4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl)oxy)phenyl)propanoicacid (Compound 57)

Prepared using General Procedures 5 and 7: To a solution of(S)-4-(2-amino-3-(tert-butoxy)-3-oxopropyl)phenyl 4-(heptyloxy)benzoateINT-6 (30.0 mg, 0.066 mmol) and DIEA (22 μL, 0.132 mmol) in DCM (1 mL)was added 4-(tert-butyl)benzoyl chloride (15.9 mg, 0.093 mmol). Afterstirring for 3 h, the solvent was evaporated to give the intermediatetert-butyl ester.

A crude solution of(S)-4-(3-(tert-butoxy)-2-(4-(tert-butyl)benzamido)-3-oxopropyl)phenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate in DCM (1 mL) was treated with TFA (0.15 mL) andstirred overnight at 30° C. The solvent was evaporated and the residuewas purified by preparative HPLC to give 12.3 mg (33%) of(S)-2-(4-(tert-butyl)benzamido)-3-(4-((4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl)oxy)phenyl)propanoicacid 57. LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculated for C₃₄H₄₁NO₆: 559. Found 560 [M+H]⁺,t_(R)=12.14 min (Method 2). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) δ 12.76 (s, 1H), 8.65(d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 8.03 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H), 7.75 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.47(d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.38 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.15 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.09(d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 4.63 (ddd, J=10.8, 8.2, 4.4 Hz, 1H), 4.07 (t, J=6.5Hz, 2H), 3.22 (dd, J=13.9, 4.3 Hz, 1H), 3.10 (dd, J=13.8, 10.8 Hz, 1H),1.81-1.66 (m, 2H), 1.50-1.20 (m, 8H), 1.29 (s, 9H), 0.87 (t, J=6.9 Hz,3H).

General Procedure 8: Preparation of Secondary Amines via ReductiveAmination

A solution of the amine (1 eq) and aldehyde (1.1 eq) in DCM (0.03-0.16M) was stirred in the presence or absence of AcOH (1 eq). To thismixture was added sodium triacetoxyborohydride (2 eq) or sodiumborohydride (2 eq). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperatureuntil complete. The reaction was diluted with DCM and washed withsaturated aqueous NaHCO₃. The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ andconcentrated. The product was purified by chromatography. Alternatively,the crude reaction mixture can be carried on to the next step withoutfurther purification.

Compounds 62 was prepared from (R)-tert-butyl2-amino-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoate using General Procedures 6, 3, and7 sequentially.

(S)-2-(4-(tert-butyl)benzamido)-3-(4-((4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl)oxy)phenyl)propanoicacid (Compound 63)

Prepared using General Procedures 6, 3, and 7: LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculatedfor C₃₁H₃₅NO₇: 533. Found 534 [M+H]⁺, t_(R)=11.20 min (Method 2). ¹H NMR(400 MHz, DMSO) δ 12.76 (s, 1H), 8.59 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (d, J=8.9Hz, 2H), 7.80 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H), 7.38 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (d, J=8.5Hz, 2H), 7.09 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 6.99 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H), 4.61 (ddd,J=10.7, 8.2, 4.5 Hz, 1H), 4.07 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.20(dd, J=13.9, 4.3 Hz, 1H), 3.09 (dd, J=13.8, 10.8 Hz, 1H), 1.80-1.65 (m,2H), 1.51-1.18 (m, 8H), 0.87 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 3H).

Tert-butyl 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-nitrobenzamido)propanoate(INT-7)

Prepared using General Procedure 5: To a stirred solution of tert-butyl2-amino-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propanoate INT-1 (1.85 g, 6.93mmol) and TEA (1.93 mL, 13.9 mmol) in DCM (15 mL) at 0° C. was added4-nitrobenzoyl chloride (1.29 g, 6.93 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) dropwise. Thereaction mixture was stirred for 1 h, diluted with DCM (100 mL) andwashed with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ (100 mL). The organic layer wasdried over MgSO₄, and concentrated. The product was purified bychromatography (EA/hexanes) to afford 1.38 g (44%) of tert-butyl3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-nitrobenzamido)propanoate INT-7.LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculated for C₂₁H₂₄N₂O₇: 416. Found 415 [M−H]⁻,t_(R)=2.18 min (Method 4).

4-(3-(tert-butoxy)-2-(4-nitrobenzamido)-3-oxopropyl)-2-methoxyphenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate (INT-8)

Prepared using General Procedure 3: To a stirred solution of tert-butyl3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-nitrobenzamido)propanoate INT-7 (1.34g, 3.05 mmol) and TEA (1.28 mL, 9.15 mmol) in DCM (8 mL) at 0° C. wasadded 4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl chloride (0.81 mL, 3.36 mmol) dropwise. Afterwarming to room temperature and stirring for 1 h, the mixture wasquenched with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ (100 mL) and diluted with DCM(100 mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. Theproduct was purified by chromatography (EA/hexanes) to afford 1.70 g(86%) of4-(3-(tert-butoxy)-2-(4-nitrobenzamido)-3-oxopropyl)-2-methoxyphenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate INT-8. LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculated for C₃₅H₄₂N₂O₉:634; no mass ion observed, t_(R)=3.26 min (Method 4).

General Procedure 9: Reduction of Aryl Nitro to an Aryl Amine

A solution of an aromatic nitro (1 eq) in THF (0.9 M) was reacted overPd/C (5-6 mol %) under hydrogen atmosphere until the reaction wascomplete. The catalyst was removed by filtration and the material waspurified by chromatography.

4-(2-(4-aminobenzamido)-3-(tert-butoxy)-3-oxopropyl)-2-methoxyphenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate (INT-9)

Prepared using General Procedure 9: A stirred solution of4-(3-(tert-butoxy)-2-(4-nitrobenzamido)-3-oxopropyl)-2-methoxyphenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate INT-8 (1.70 g, 2.68 mmol) in THF (30 mL) wasdegassed under N₂ flow. Pd/C (10 wt % 0.17 g, 0.16 mmol) was added andthe suspension was degassed under N₂ flow. The reaction vessel wasflushed with hydrogen gas and the reaction was stirred under anatmosphere of hydrogen overnight. The reaction was diluted with THF (10mL) and filtered over celite. The material was concentrated and purifiedby chromatography (EA/hexanes) to afford 1.20 g (73%) of4-(2-(4-aminobenzamido)-3-(tert-butoxy)-3-oxopropyl)-2-methoxyphenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate INT-9. LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculated for C₃₅H₄₄N₂O₇:604. Found 605 [M+H]⁺, t_(R)=3.15 min (Method 4). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO)δ 8.24-8.18 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 8.05-7.94 (m, 2H), 7.61-7.52 (m, 2H),7.13-7.04 (m, 4H), 6.93-6.85 (m, 1H), 6.57-6.48 (m, 2H), 5.65 (s, 2H),4.58-4.50 (m, 1H), 4.12-4.03 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 3.16-3.03(m, 2H), 1.79-1.69 (m, 2H), 1.47-1.23 (m, 17H), 0.90-0.82 (m, 3H).

Compounds 64-130 were prepared from INT-9 using General Procedures 5 or6, then 7 sequentially.

2-(4-(2-(benzyloxy)acetamido)benzamido)-3-(4-((4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl)oxy)-3-methoxyphenyl)propanoicacid (Compound 103)

Prepared using General Procedures 6 and 7: To a solution of44244-aminobenzamido)-3-(tert-butoxy)-3-oxopropyl)-2-methoxyphenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate INT-9 (100 mg, 0.165 mmol) and DIEA (92 μL, 0.50mmol) in DMF (2 mL) was added HATU (157 mg, 0.413 mmol). After stirringfor 2 h, the mixture was quenched with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ (20 mL)and diluted with EA (20 mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ andconcentrated. The intermediate tert-butyl ester was purified bychromatography (EA/hexanes).

The tert-butyl ester was dissolved in DCM (2 mL) and treated with TFA (2mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 3 h. The solventwas evaporated to provide 103 mg (85%) of2-(4-(2-(benzyloxy)acetamido)benzamido)-3-(4-((4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl)oxy)-3-methoxyphenyl)propanoicacid 103. LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculated for C₄₀H₄₄N₂O₉: 696; no mass ionobserved, t_(R)=9.86 min (Method 5). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) δ 12.77 (s,1H), 10.04 (s, 1H), 8.67-8.59 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 8.04-7.96 (m, 2H),7.84-7.77 (m, 2H), 7.76-7.67 (m, 2H), 7.44-7.27 (m, 5H), 7.17-7.11 (d,J=1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.11-7.04 (m, 3H), 6.96-6.89 (dd, J=8.2, 1.8 Hz, 1H),4.68-4.59 (m, 3H), 4.12 (s, 2H), 4.10-4.04 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H), 3.70 (s,3H), 3.25-3.17 (dd, J=14.1, 4.3 Hz, 1H), 3.13-3.04 (dd, J=13.8, 10.7 Hz,1H), 1.78-1.70 (m, 2H), 1.46-1.22 (m, 8H), 0.90-0.83 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 3H).

3-(4-((4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl)oxy)-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)acetamido)benzamido)propanoicacid (Compound 120)

Prepared using General Procedures 6 and 7: LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculated forC₄₀H₄₄N₂O₉: 696; no mass ion observed, t_(R)=9.49 min (Method 5). ¹H NMR(400 MHz, DMSO) δ 12.72 (s, 1H), 10.32 (s, 1H), 8.64-8.54 (d, J=8.2 Hz,1H), 8.06-7.95 (m, 2H), 7.85-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.69-7.62 (m, 2H), 7.29-7.22(m, 2H), 7.16-7.03 (m, 4H), 6.95-6.85 (m, 3H), 4.67-4.59 (m, 1H),4.10-4.02 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.58 (s, 2H),3.24-3.17 (m, 1H), 3.13-3.02 (dd, J=13.9, 10.6 Hz, 1H), 1.78-1.70 (p,J=6.7 Hz, 2H), 1.46-1.25 (m, 8H), 0.92-0.83 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 3H).

General Procedure 10: Preparation of Ureas

A solution of the aryl amine (1 eq) in DCM (0.06-0.20 M) was treatedwith isocyanate (1.1 eq). The reaction mixture was stirred at roomtemperature until complete. The reaction was diluted with DCM and washedwith saturated aqueous NaHCO₃. The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄and concentrated. The product was purified by chromatography.Alternatively, the crude reaction mixture can be carried on to the nextstep without further purification.

Compounds 131-132 were prepared from INT-9 using General Procedures 10and 7 sequentially.

3-(4-((4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl)oxy)-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-(3-phenylureido)benzamido)propanoicacid (Compound 131)

Prepared using General Procedures 10 and 7: LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculatedfor C₃₈H₄₁N₃O₈: 667. Found 666, [M−H]⁻, t_(R)=9.42 min (Method 5).

General Procedure 11: Preparation of Sulfonamides via Sulfonyl Chlorides

A solution of the amine (1 eq) and TEA (2 eq) in DCM (0.06 M) wastreated with sulfonyl chloride (1.1 eq). The reaction mixture wasstirred at room temperature until complete. The reaction was dilutedwith DCM and washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃. The organic layer wasdried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. The product was purified bychromatography. Alternatively, the crude reaction mixture can be carriedon to the next step without further purification.

3-(4-((4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl)oxy)-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-(phenylsulfonamido)benzamido)propanoic acid (Compound 133)

Prepared using General Procedure 11 and 7: LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculated forC₃₇H₄₀N₂O₉S: 688; no mass observed, t_(R)=10.56 min (Method 5).

Compound 134 was prepared from INT-9 using General Procedures 8 and 7sequentially.

2-(4-((cyclopentylmethyl)amino)benzamido)-3-(4-((4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl)oxy)-3-methoxyphenyl)propanoicacid (Compound 134)

Prepared using General Procedures 8 and 7: LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculated forC₃₇H₄₆N₂O₇: 630; no mass observed, t_(R)=10.66 min (Method 5).

4-(2-(3-aminobenzamido)-3-(tert-butoxy)-3-oxopropyl)-2-methoxyphenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate (INT-10)

Prepared using General Procedures 6, 3, and 9 using 3-nitrobenzoic acidand 4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl chloride. LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculated forC₃₅H₄₄N₂₇₆: 604. Found 605, [M+H]⁺, t_(R)=3.42 min (Method 4).

Compounds 135-166 were prepared from INT-10 using General Procedures 5or 6, then 7 sequentially.

2-(3-(benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamido)benzamido)-3-(4-((4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl)oxy)-3-methoxyphenyl)propanoicacid (Compound 156)

Prepared using General Procedures 6 and 7 starting from44243-aminobenzamido)-3-(tert-butoxy)-3-oxopropyl)-2-methoxyphenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate INT-10.

(S)-4-(2-(4-aminobenzamido)-3-(tert-butoxy)-3-oxopropyl)phenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate (INT-11)

Prepared using General Procedures 5, 3, and 9 sequentially using4-nitrobenzoyl chloride and 4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl chloride. LCMS-ESI(m/z) calculated for C₃₄H₄₂N₂O₆: 574. Found 575, [M+H]⁺, t_(R)=3.20 min(Method 4). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) δ 8.11-8.01 (m, 3H), 7.62-7.54 (m,2H), 7.38-7.32 (m, 2H), 7.18-7.13 (m, 2H), 7.11-7.06 (m, 2H), 6.57-6.50(m, 2H), 5.55 (s, 2H), 4.59-4.48 (m, 1H), 4.14-4.02 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H),3.14-3.06 (m, 2H), 1.81-1.71 (m, 2H), 1.48-1.25 (m, 17H), 0.93-0.80 (m,3H).

Compounds 167, 180, and 181 can be prepared from the enantiomer ofINT-11 using General Procedures 5 or 6, then 7 sequentially.

Compounds 168-179 and 184-262 can be prepared from INT-11 using GeneralProcedures 5 or 6, then 7 sequentially.

(S)-3-(4-((4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl)oxy)phenyl)-2-(4-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)acetamido)benzamido)propanoicacid (Compound 178)

Prepared using General Procedures 6 and 7: To a solution of(S)-4-(2-(4-aminobenzamido)-3-(tert-butoxy)-3-oxopropyl)phenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate INT-11 (600 mg, 1.04 mmol) and TEA (437 μL, 3.13mmol) in DMF (3 mL) was added 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)acetic acid (182 mg,1.10 mmol) and HATU (476 mg, 1.25 mmol). After stirring for 2 h, thereaction mixture was diluted with EA (50 mL) and washed with brine (2×50mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. Theintermediate tert-butyl ester was purified by chromatography(EA/hexanes).

The intermediate tert-butyl ester was dissolved in DCM (10 mL) andtreated with TFA (5 mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperaturefor 2 h. The solvent was evaporated to provide 376 mg (54%) of(S)-3-(4-((4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl)oxy)phenyl)-2-(4-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)acetamido)benzamido)propanoicacid 178. LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculated for C₃₉H₄₂N₂O₈: 666. Found 665[M−H]⁻, t_(R)=9.53 min (Method 5). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) δ 12.76 (s,1H), 10.33 (s, 1H), 8.60 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 8.05-8.00 (m, 2H), 7.82-7.76(m, 2H), 7.69-7.62 (m, 2H), 7.37 (dd, J=6.8, 1.9 Hz, 2H), 7.27-7.21 (m,2H), 7.17-7.12 (m, 2H), 7.11-7.06 (m, 2H), 6.92-6.85 (m, 2H), 4.65-4.57(m, 1H), 4.06 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.58 (s, 2H), 3.25-3.17(m, 1H), 3.14-3.04 (m, 1H), 1.78-1.69 (m, 2H), 1.45-1.25 (m, 8H), 0.87(t, J=6.6 Hz, 3H).

(S)-2-(4-(2-(benzyloxy)acetamido)benzamido)-3-(4-((4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl)oxy)phenyl)propanoicacid (Compound 179)

Prepared using General Procedures 6 and 7: To a solution of(S)-4-(2-(4-aminobenzamido)-3-(tert-butoxy)-3-oxopropyl)phenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate INT-11 (197 mg, 0.343 mmol) and DIEA (190 μL, 1.03mmol) in DMF (3 mL) was added HATU (326 mg, 0.857 mmol). After stirringfor 1 h, the mixture was quenched with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ (50 mL)and extracted with EA (3×20 mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄and concentrated. The intermediate tert-butyl ester was purified bychromatography (EA/hexanes).

The intermediate tert-butyl ester (47 mg) was dissolved in DCM (1 mL)and treated with TFA (1 mL). The reaction was stirred at roomtemperature for 3 h. The solvent was evaporated to give 40 mg (88%) of(S)-2-(4-(2-(benzyloxy)acetamido)benzamido)-3-(4-((4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl)oxy)phenyl)propanoicacid 179. LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculated for C₃₉H₄₂N₂O₈: 666. Found 665,[M−H]⁻, t_(R)=9.91 min (Method 5). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) δ 12.77 (s,1H), 10.04 (s, 1H), 8.62 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 8.06-8.00 (m, 2H), 7.82-7.76(m, 2H), 7.75-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.44-7.35 (m, 6H), 7.34-7.28 (m, 1H),7.18-7.12 (m, 2H), 7.12-7.05 (m, 2H), 4.67-4.57 (m, 3H), 4.12 (s, 2H),4.05 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H), 3.25-3.17 (m, 1H), 3.09 (dd, J=13.8, 10.6 Hz,1H), 1.79-1.68 (m, 2H), 1.46-1.24 (m, 8H), 0.91-0.82 (m, 3H).

Compounds 182-183 were prepared from INT-11 using General Procedures 8and 7 sequentially.

General Procedure 12: Hydrolysis of Aryl Esters to Acids

A solution of an aryl ester (1 eq) in THF and/or MeOH (0.4-1.8 M) wastreated with 1 M lithium hydroxide (1.2 eq) or 2 M sodium hydroxide (1.2eq). The reaction was stirred until complete and 1 M HCl (5.8 eq) wasadded. The product was extracted into EA, dried over MgSO₄ andconcentrated.

4-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)acetamido)benzoic acid (INT-12)

Prepared using General Procedures 6 and 12: To a stirred solution ofmethyl 4-aminobenzoate (1.3 g, 8.60 mmol) and 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)aceticacid (1.429 g, 8.60 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added TEA (3.00 ml, 21.50mmol) and HATU (3.43 g, 9.03 mmol). After stirring for 2 h the reactionwas diluted with EA (150 mL) and washed with brine (2×100 mL). The crudematerial was purified by chromatography (EA/hexanes).

To the intermediate amide dissolved in THF (20 mL) was added 1M LiOHsolution (10.32 ml, 10.32 mmol) and MeOH (5 mL). The reaction stirredovernight. The reaction mixture was acidified by the addition of 1M HCl(50 mL) and the desired compound was extracted into EA (150 mL). Theorganic layer was dried over MgSO₄, washed with brine, and concentratedto give 1.82 g (73%) of 4-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)acetamido)benzoic acid.LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculated for C₁₆H₁₅NO₄: 285. Found 284, [M−H]⁻,t_(R)=1.66 min (Method 4).

(S)-tert-butyl2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)acetamido)benzamido)acetate(INT-13)

Prepared using General Procedure 6: To a stirred solution of4-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)acetamido)benzoic acid INT-12 (500 mg, 1.75 mmol)and (S)-tert-butyl 2-amino-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetate (391 mg, 1.75mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added TEA (611 μL, 4.38 mmol) and HATU (700 mg,1.84 mmol). After stirring for 2 h the reaction was diluted with EA (10mL) and washed with brine (2×100 mL). The crude material was purified bychromatography (EA/hexanes) to give 860 mg (100%) of (S)-tert-butyl2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)acetamido)benzamido)acetateINT-13. LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculated for C₂₈H₃₀N₂O₆: 490. Found 489,[M−H]⁻, t_(R)=2.14 min (Method 4).

Compounds 263-265 were prepared from methyl 4-aminobenzoate usingGeneral Procedures 5 or 6, 12, 6, 3, and 7 sequentially.

(S)-2-(4-((4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl)oxy)phenyl)-2-(4-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)acetamido)benzamido)aceticacid (Compound 263)

Prepared using General Procedures 3 and 7: To a stirred solution of4-(heptyloxy)benzoic acid (456 mg, 1.928 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) and DMF(50 μL) was added oxalyl dichloride (181 μA, 2.10 mmol) and stirred for1 h. This solution was added to (S)-tert-butyl2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)acetamido)benzamido)acetate INT-13 (860 mg, 1.75 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) and TEA (489 μA, 3.51mmol). The reaction mixture was diluted with DCM (30 mL) and washed withsaturated aqueous NaHCO₃ (50 mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄and concentrated. The product was purified by chromatography(EA/hexanes) to afford the intermediate tert-butyl ester.

The tert-butyl ester was dissolved in DCM (5 mL) and treated with TFA (5mL) and stirred for 2 h. The solvent was removed and the product waspurified by chromatography (EA/hexanes with 1% AcOH) to give 190 mg(16%) of(S)-2-(4-((4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl)oxy)phenyl)-2-(4-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)acetamido)benzamido)aceticacid 263. LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculated for C₃₈H₄₀N₂O₈: 652. Found 651,[M−H]⁻, t_(R)=9.5 min (Method 5). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) δ 12.96 (s,1H), 10.34 (s, 1H), 8.95 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 8.10-8.02 (m, 2H), 7.93-7.87(m, 2H), 7.69-7.63 (m, 2H), 7.60-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.30-7.22 (m, 4H),7.14-7.08 (m, 2H), 6.91-6.86 (m, 2H), 5.57 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 4.08 (t,J=6.5 Hz, 2H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.58 (s, 2H), 1.81-1.68 (m, 2H), 1.48-1.18(m, 8H), 0.91-0.83 (m, 3H).

Tert-butyl2-(4-(cyclopentanecarboxamido)benzamido)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propanoate(INT-14)

Prepared using General Procedures 5, 12 and 6 starting from methyl4-aminobenzoate and using cyclopentane carbonyl chloride and tert-butyl2-amino-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propanoate. LCMS-ESI (m/z)calculated for C₂₇H₃₄N₂O₆: 482. Found 505, [M+Na]⁺, t_(R)=3.21 min(Method 1). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.79-7.67 (m, 2H), 7.60 (d, J=8.7Hz, 2H), 6.88-6.75 (m, 1H), 6.73-6.60 (m, 2H), 6.56 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 1H),5.52 (s, 1H), 4.89 (ddd, J=7.3, 6.1, 5.0 Hz, 1H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.16 (m,2H), 2.69 (m, 1H), 2.01-1.85 (m, 4H), 1.80 (m, 2H), 1.69-1.58 (m, 2H),1.46 (s, 9H).

General Procedure 13: Preparation of Aryl Amides and Esters via DCCMediated Peptide Coupling

To a stirred solution of the phenol or amine (1 eq) and DIEA (3 eq) inDCM (0.04 M) was added the appropriate acid (2.5 eq), DCC (2.5 eq), andDMAP (2.5 eq). The reaction mixture was stirred until the reaction wascomplete. The crude reaction mixture was carried on to the next stepwithout further purification.

Compounds 266-275 were prepared from INT-14 using General Procedures 3or 13, then 7 sequentially.

2-(4-(cyclopentanecarboxamido)benzamido)-3-(4-((4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl)oxy)-3-methoxyphenyl)propanoicacid (Compound 273)

Prepared using General Procedures 3 and 7: To a stirred solution oftert-butyl2-(4-(cyclopentanecarboxamido)benzamido)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propanoateINT-14 (250 mg, 0.518 mmol) at 0° C. in DCM (10 mL) was added TEA (217μL, 1.55 mmol) and 4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl chloride (311 μL, 1.30 mmol).The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The reactionmixture was diluted with DCM (5 mL) and washed with saturated aqueousNaHCO₃ (10 mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated.The intermediate tert-butyl ester was purified by chromatography(EA/hexanes) to yield 336 mg of the tert-butyl ester.

The tert-butyl ester (300 mg, 0.428 mmol) was dissolved in DCM (4 mL)and treated with TFA (2 mL) and stirred for 1.5 hr. The solvent wasremoved to give 170 mg (55%) of2-(4-(cyclopentanecarboxamido)benzamido)-3-(4-((4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl)oxy)-3-methoxyphenyl)propanoicacid 273. LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculated for C₃₇H₄₄N₂O₈: 644. Found 643,[M−H]⁻, t_(R)=3.09 min (Method 4). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) δ 12.74 (s,1H), 10.08 (s, 1H), 8.58 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 8.05-7.96 (m, 2H), 7.85-7.73(m, 2H), 7.70-7.60 (m, 2H), 7.14 (d, J=1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.12-7.03 (m, 3H),6.93 (dd, J=8.1, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 4.70-4.58 (m, 1H), 4.07 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H),3.69 (s, 3H), 3.25-3.18 (m, 1H), 3.13-3.06 (m, 1H), 2.84-2.74 (m, 1H),1.91-1.79 (m, 2H), 1.79-1.60 (m, 6H), 1.59-1.48 (m, 2H), 1.46-1.22 (m,8H), 0.90-0.82 (m, 3H).

3-(4-((4-acetamidobenzoyl)oxy)-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-(cyclopentanecarboxamido)benzamido)propanoicacid (Compound 274)

Prepared using General Procedures 13 and 7: LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculatedfor C₃₂H₃₃N₃O₈: 587. Found 588, [M+H]⁺, t_(R)=7.19 min (Method 2).

Compounds 305-307 were prepared from Compound 168 using GeneralProcedures 6 and 7 sequentially.

Compounds 308-310 were prepared from Compound 179 using GeneralProcedures 6 and 7 sequentially.

Compounds 311-313 were prepared from Compound 178 using GeneralProcedures 6 and 7 sequentially.

2-(3-(4-((4-(heptyloxy)benzoyl)oxy)phenyl)-2-(4-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)acetamido)benzamido) propanamido)acetic acid (Compound 313)

Prepared using General Procedures 6 and 7: LCMS-ESI (m/z) calculated forC₄₁H₄₅N₃O₉: 723. Found 724, [M+H]⁺, t_(R)=9.05 min (Method 5).

Compound 314 was prepared from Compound 63 using General Procedures 6and 7 sequentially.

Compound 315 was prepared from Compound 178 using General Procedure 13.

General Procedure 14A-C: Preparation of Secondary and Tertiary Aminesvia Alkylation

General Procedure 14A: To a stirred solution of amide (1 eq) in DMF (0.1M) at −10 to 0° C. was added iodomethane (2 eq) and sodium hydride (1.1eq). The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature andstirred until the reaction was complete. The reaction was quenched with1 M HCl and extracted with DCM. The organic layer was dried andconcentrated. The product was purified by chromatography.

General Procedure 14B: To a stirred solution of the amide (1 eq) in THF(0.1 M) at −10 to 0° C. was added 18-crown-6 (1.05 eq) and KHMDS (1.0eq). To this mixture was added iodomethane (2 eq). The reaction mixturewas allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred until the reactionwas complete. The reaction was quenched with AcOH and extracted withDCM. The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. Theproduct was purified by chromatography.

General Procedure 14C: To a stirred solution of the amine (1 eq) in DMF(0.15 M) was added iodomethane (2 eq) and sodium bicarbonate (3 eq). Thereaction mixture was stirred until the reaction was complete. Thereaction was diluted with EA and washed with brine. The organic layerwas dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. The product was purified bychromatography.

Compounds 276-277 were prepared from (S)-tert-butyl2-amino-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoate using General Procedures 5, 3, 14,9, 6, and 7 sequentially.

Compounds 278-280 were prepared from 4-(methylamino)benzoic acid usingGeneral Procedures 2, 6, 3, 4, 6, 7 sequentially.

General Procedure 15: Deprotection of Silyl Ethers

To a stirred solution of the silyl-protected alcohol (1 eq) in THF (0.1M) was added TBAF (2 eq). The reaction mixture was stirred until thereaction was complete. The reaction was quenched with 0.1 M citric acidand extracted with DCM. The organic layer was dried and concentrated.The product was purified by chromatography.

Compounds 281-282 were prepared from (S)-tert-butyl2-amino-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoate using General Procedures 6, 12, 6,13, and 15 sequentially.

Compound 283 was prepared from (S)-tert-butyl2-amino-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoate and 4-(heptyloxy)benzoic acidusing General Procedures 6, 3, and 7 sequentially.

Compound 284 was prepared from (S)-2-amino-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)aceticacid using General Procedures 1, 6, 3, and 7 sequentially.

Compound 285 was prepared from (S)-tert-butyl2-amino-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoate using General Procedures 6, 3, 14,and 7 sequentially.

Compound 316 can be from Compound 63 using General Procedure 5.

Compounds 286-288 can be prepared from methyl 4-aminobenzoate usingGeneral Procedures 5, 12, 6, 9, 5, and 12 sequentially.

Compounds 289-291 can be prepared from methyl 4-aminobenzoate usingGeneral Procedures 5, 12, 6, 9, 11, and 12 sequentially.

General Procedure 16: Preparation of aryl ether and aryl amines viacopper-mediated couplings

To a stirred solution of the aniline or phenol (1 eq) in DCM (0.07 M)was added boronic acid (2 eq), copper (II) acetate (1 eq), pyridine (5eq), and 4 Å molecular sieves. The reaction mixture was stirred under anatmosphere of air until the reaction was complete. The reaction wasquenched with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ and extracted with DCM. Theorganic layer was dried and concentrated. The product was purified bychromatography.

Compounds 292-294 can be prepared from methyl 4-aminobenzoate usingGeneral Procedures 5, 12, 6, 16, and 7 sequentially.

Compounds 295-297 can be prepared from methyl 4-aminobenzoate usingGeneral Procedures 5, 12, 6, 9, 16, and 12 sequentially.

Compounds 298-299 can be prepared using from methyl 4-aminobenzoateGeneral Procedures 5, 12, 6, 7, 6, and 12 sequentially.

Compounds 300-301 can be prepared from methyl 4-aminobenzoate usingGeneral Procedures 5, 12, 6, 9, 8, and 12 sequentially.

Compound 302 was prepared from methyl 4-aminobenzoate and (5)-methyl2-amino-3-(4-nitrophenyl)propanoate hydrochloride using GeneralProcedures 5, 12, 6, 9, 8, 14, and 12 sequentially.

Compound 303 was prepared from4-(2-(4-aminobenzamido)-3-(tert-butoxy)-3-oxopropyl)-2-methoxyphenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate INT-9 using General Procedures 5, 7, and 4sequentially.

General Procedure 17: Preparation of Succinate Derivatives from Arylamines

To a stirred solution of the amine (1 eq) in DCM (0.4 M) was addedsuccinic anhydride (1.5 eq), TEA (3 eq), and DMAP (0.1 eq). The reactionmixture was stirred until the reaction was complete. The reaction wasdiluted with DCM and washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃. The organiclayer was dried and concentrated. The product was purified bychromatography.

Compound 304 was prepared from4-(2-(4-aminobenzamido)-3-(tert-butoxy)-3-oxopropyl)-2-methoxyphenyl4-(heptyloxy)benzoate INT-9 using General Procedures 17 and 7sequentially.

Compounds 317-318 can be prepared from methyl 4-aminobenzoate usingGeneral Procedures 6, 12, 5, and 3 sequentially.

Selected compounds and their corresponding analytical data are shown inTable 1.

TABLE 1 LCMS COM- RETEN- POUND TION NUM- TIME LCMS STRUCTURE BER (min)method

1 10.90 2

2 11.01 2

3 11.27 2

4 11.49 2

5 11.84 2

6 11.03 2

7 8.12 2

8 7.72 2

9 7.60 2

10 10.50 2

11 11.48 2

12 11.71 2

13 11.26 2

14 11.32 2

15 11.15 2

16 11.05 2

17 11.55 2

18 11.62 2

19 11.23 2

20 11.57 2

21 11.59 2

22 11.30 2

23 10.88 2

24 11.75 2

25 11.23 2

26 11.34 2

27 11.52 2

28 11.44 2

29 11.05 2

30 11.41 2

31 11.40 2

32 11.27 2

33 11.30 2

34 11.44 2

35 11.45 2

36 11.23 2

37 11.44 2

38 11.64 2

39 11.26 2

40 11.31 2

41 11.35 2

42 11.39 2

43 11.60 2

44 11.83 2

45 11.39 2

46 11.19 2

47 10.95 2

48 11.19 2

49 10.76 2

50 10.63 2

51 11.02 2

52 11.58 2

53 12.16 2

54 9.87 2

55 11.57 2

56 11.70 2

57 12.14 2

58 11.40 2

59 11.44 2

60 11.21 2

61 11.13 2

62 11.11 2

63 11.12 2

64 3.15 4

65 3.28 4

66 10.14 2

67 9.92 5

68 8.66 5

69 8.58 5

70 8.73 5

71 8.89 5

72 9.28 5

73 9.09 5

74 9.75 5

75 9.92 5

76 8.31 5

77 8.24 5

78 9.58 5

79 8.94 5

80 9.97 5

81 9.35 5

82 9.51 5

83 9.64 5

84 9.91 5

85 10.18 5

86 9.71 5

87 10.28 5

88 9.91 5

89 9.96 5

90 10.64 5

91 10.84 5

92 10.00 5

93 9.10 5

94 9.02 5

95 8.51 5

96 9.37 5

97 9.67 5

98 9.58 5

99 9.79 5

100 9.41 5

101 9.77 5

102 10.29 5

103 9.86 5

104 9.88 5

105 10.45 5

106 8.06 5

107 9.31 5

108 5.91 5

109 6.00 5

110 9.77 5

111 10.60 5

112 10.12 5

113 8.40 5

114 8.83 5

115 9.31 5

116 9.38 5

117 8.93 5

118 5.78 5

119 2.60 4

120 9.49 5

121 9.42 5

122 3.06 4

123 3.18 4

124 2.97 4

125 2.84 4

126 3.15 4

127 3.13 4

128 3.03 4

129 3.12 4

130 3.10 4

131 9.42 5

132 9.35 5

133 10.56 5

134 10.66 5

135 3.14 4

136 3.08 4

137 2.92 4

138 2.95 4

139 3.00 4

140 2.82 4

141 2.88 4

142 3.10 4

143 3.06 4

144 3.09 4

145 3.13 4

146 3.11 4

147 3.08 4

148 3.21 4

149 3.11 4

150 3.20 4

151 3.09 4

152 2.98 4

153 3.10 4

154 3.05 4

155 3.10 4

156 3.17 4

157 3.03 4

158 3.07 4

159 3.15 4

160 2.97 4

161 9.99 5

162 3.07 4

163 3.09 4

164 3.14 4

165 3.08 4

166 3.18 4

167 3.10 4

168 9.70 5

169 10.00 5

170 9.62 5

171 8.80 5

172 8.97 5

173 8.65 5

174 9.17 5

175 8.37 5

176 10.04 5

177 10.26 5

178 9.53 5

179 9.91 5

180 3.12 4

181 3.06 4

182 3.18 4

183 10.29 5

184 9.48 5

185 9.59 5

186 9.50 5

187 9.54 5

188 9.59 5

189 9.98 5

190 9.79 5

191 9.82 5

192 9.55 5

193 8.52 5

194 9.20 5

195 10.51 5

196 9.92 5

197 9.57 5

198 10.00 5

199 9.52 5

200 9.56 5

201 9.69 5

202 9.52 5

203 9.81 5

204 10.13 5

205 9.25 5

206 9.63 5

207 9.65 5

208 9.60 5

209 10.27 5

210 10.27 5

211 10.13 5

212 10.49 5

213 10.17 5

214 9.41 5

215 9.47 5

216 10.45 5

217 9.81 5

218 9.84 5

219 7.50 5

220 9.83 5

221 10.45 5

222 10.44 5

223 10.42 5

224 8.67 5

225 8.55 5

226 9.11 5

227 9.74 5

228 9.41 5

229 9.37 5

230 10.49 5

231 9.66 5

232 9.90 5

233 9.43 5

234 9.60 5

235 9.67 5

236 9.96 5

237 10.06 5

238 9.46 5

239 9.87 5

240 9.54 5

241 9.88 5

242 9.98 5

243 9.72 5

244 10.13 5

245 9.15 5

246 9.88 5

247 9.90 5

248 9.09 5

249 9.61 5

250 10.32 5

251 9.78 5

252 9.92 5

253 10.29 5

254 9.57 5

255 6.04 5

256 6.74 5

257 7.40 5

258 8.04 5

259 10.44 5

260 8.66 5

261 9.12 5

262 9.21 5

263 9.50 5

264 9.86 5

265 9.58 5

266 3.30 1

267 8.14 2

268 8.38 2

269 8.17 2

270 9.46 2

271 9.41 2

272 8.56 2

273 11.17 2

274 7.19 2

275 9.60 2

276 10.01 5

277 9.62 5

278 9.53 5

279 9.56 5

280 10.24 5

281 5.15 5

282 5.51 5

283 9.10 5

284 9.32 5

285 9.88 5

286 9.56 5

287 8.42 5

288 8.75 5

289 8.18 5

290 8.27 5

291 7.92 5

292 7.66 5

293 9.75 5

294 9.34 5

295 7.38 5

296 8.86 5

297 9.24 5

298 8.38 5

299 8.71 5

300 8.38 5

301 8.82 5

302 9.04 5

303 8.00 5

304 8.01 5

305 10.13 5

306 9.26 5

307 9.38 5

308 10.23 5

309 9.56 5

310 9.14 5

311 9.86 5

312 9.16 5

313 9.05 5

314 8.86 5

315 9.74 5

316 9.10 7

317 3.31 5

318 3.32 5

319 10.93 2

320 9.88 2

321 10.42 2

322 10.72 2

323 8.45

324 8.83

325 6.01

326 8.87

327 6.44

328 7

329 8.75

330 7.02

331 8.88

332 10.16

333 11.25 2

334 9.37 2

Biological Assays

Assay Procedures

GLP-1 PAM Shift Assays: Dosing Peptides RP-101868 and GLP-1 (9-36) inPresence of Fixed Compound Concentration-Direct cAMP Response

A GLP-1R expressing CRE-bla CHO-K1 cell line was purchased fromInvitrogen. Cells were seeded into 384-well white flat bottom plates at5000 cells/well/20 μL culture media (DMEM-High glucose, 10% dialyzedFBS, 0.1 mM NEAA, 25 mM Hepes, 100 U/mL penicillin/100 μg/mLstreptomycin, 5 μg/mL Blasticidin, 600 μg/mL Hygromycin) and incubatedfor 18 h at 37° C. in 5% CO₂. Peptide dose response curves (12-point)were generated in assay buffer (Hanks Balanced Salt solution, 10 mMHepes, 0.1% BSA, pH7.4) in the presence of 1.5 mM IBMX, 12.5% DMSO, and50 μM compound. Cells were washed 1× with assay buffer prior to adding 3μL of PAM dose response curve to 12 μL assay buffer and incubated for 30min at 37° C. Direct detection of cAMP was carried out using DiscoveRxHitHunter cAMP kit according to manufacturer's instructions andluminescence was read using a SpectraMax M5 plate reader. Theluminescence signal was analyzed by non-linear regression to determinethe EC₅₀ values for cAMP dose response curves and values were comparedto peptide curves without compound.

GLP-1 PAM EC₂₀ assay: dosing compound in the presence of fixed GLP-1(9-36)-direct cAMP response

GLP-1R CRE-bla CHO-K1 cells were seeded into 384-well white flat bottomplates at 10,000 cells/well/20 μL culture media (same culture media usedfor PAM shift assay) and incubated for 18 h at 37° C. in 5% CO₂.Compound dose response curves (12-point) and a separate 30×EC₂₀ GLP-1(9-36) stock solution were generated in assay buffer (same assay bufferused for PAM shift assay) in presence of 1.5 mM IBMX and 12.5% DMSO.Cells were washed 1× with assay buffer prior to adding 3 μL of compounddose response curve and 0.5 μL EC₂₀ GLP-1 (9-36) to 12 μL assay bufferand incubated for 30 min at 37° C. Direct detection of cAMP was carriedout using DiscoveRx HitHunter cAMP kit according to manufacturer'sinstructions (substituting 5 μL Antibody portion with 2 μL) andluminescence was read using a SpectraMax M5 plate reader. Luminescencesignal was converted to total cAMP using a cAMP standard curve and datawas analyzed by non-linear regression to determine the EC₅₀ values forcAMP dose response curves.

Peptide Sequences

(SEQ ID NO: 1) GLP-1 (7-36): HAEGTFTSDVSSYLEGQAAKEFIAWLVKGR-NH₂(SEQ ID NO: 2) GLP-1 (9-36): EGTFTSDVSSYLEGQAAKEFIAWLVKGR-NH₂(SEQ ID NO: 3) RP-101868: GEGTFTS-Nle-LSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGR-NH₂GLP-1 (7-36) was purchased from GenScript.GLP-1 (9-36) and RP-101868 (Ex_RPG-14) werepurchased from Biopeptide Co., Inc.

Reported GLP-1 Activity

Activity data for selected GLP-1 modulators is displayed in Table 2. TheGLP-1 (9-36) PAM activity range is denoted as follows: + denotesactivity<10 nM. ++ denotes activity between 10 to 100 nM, and +++denotes activity between 100-1000 nM, and ++++ denotes activity>1000 nM.The GLP-1 (RP-101868) PAM activity range is denoted as follows: +denotes activity<0.1 nM. ++ denotes activity between 0.1 to 1 nM, and+++ denotes activity between 1-10 nM, and ++++ denotes activity>10 nM.N/A denotes not available.

TABLE 2 GLP-1 (RP- COMPOUND GLP-1 (9-36) PAM 101868) PAM NUMBER ACTIVITYACTIVITY 1 N/A +++ 2 +++ ++ 3 +++ ++ 4 ++++ ++ 5 N/A +++ 6 N/A +++ 7 N/A+++ 8 N/A +++ 9 N/A +++ 10 N/A +++ 11 ++++ N/A 12 ++++ N/A 13 ++++ N/A14 +++ N/A 15 +++ N/A 16 ++++ N/A 17 ++++ N/A 18 +++ N/A 19 ++++ N/A 20+++ N/A 21 ++++ N/A 22 +++ N/A 23 ++++ N/A 24 +++ N/A 25 ++++ N/A 26 +++N/A 27 ++++ N/A 28 ++ N/A 29 ++++ N/A 30 ++++ N/A 31 ++++ N/A 32 +++ N/A33 ++++ N/A 34 ++++ N/A 35 ++++ N/A 36 +++ N/A 37 ++++ N/A 38 +++ N/A 39++++ N/A 40 ++++ N/A 41 ++++ N/A 42 +++ N/A 43 ++++ N/A 44 +++ N/A 45+++ N/A 46 ++++ N/A 47 +++ N/A 48 +++ N/A 49 ++++ N/A 50 ++++ N/A 51++++ N/A 52 ++++ N/A 53 +++ N/A 54 +++ N/A 55 ++++ N/A 56 +++ N/A 57 +N/A 58 +++ N/A 59 +++ N/A 60 ++++ N/A 61 +++ N/A 62 +++ +++ 63 +++ +++64 +++ +++ 65 N/A +++ 66 N/A +++ 67 +++ +++ 68 ++++ +++ 69 N/A +++ 70++++ +++ 71 ++++ +++ 72 N/A +++ 73 +++ +++ 74 N/A +++ 75 N/A +++ 76 N/A+++ 77 N/A +++ 78 ++++ +++ 79 N/A +++ 80 +++ +++ 81 N/A +++ 82 ++++ +++83 N/A +++ 84 N/A +++ 85 ++++ +++ 86 N/A +++ 87 +++ +++ 88 N/A +++ 89N/A +++ 90 N/A +++ 91 N/A +++ 92 N/A +++ 93 N/A +++ 94 ++++ +++ 95 N/A+++ 96 N/A +++ 97 +++ +++ 98 +++ +++ 99 N/A +++ 100 N/A +++ 101 N/A +++102 N/A +++ 103 ++ ++ 104 ++++ +++ 105 N/A +++ 106 N/A +++ 107 N/A +++108 N/A +++ 109 N/A +++ 110 +++ ++ 111 N/A +++ 112 N/A ++++ 113 N/A +++114 N/A +++ 115 ++++ +++ 116 N/A +++ 117 ++++ +++ 118 N/A +++ 119 N/A+++ 120 +++ ++ 121 N/A +++ 122 ++ ++ 123 +++ ++ 124 +++ ++ 125 N/A +++126 ++ ++ 127 N/A +++ 128 +++ +++ 129 ++++ +++ 130 +++ ++ 131 ++++ +++132 N/A +++ 133 N/A +++ 134 N/A +++ 135 +++ ++ 136 ++++ ++ 137 N/A +++138 N/A +++ 139 N/A +++ 140 N/A +++ 141 N/A +++ 142 N/A +++ 143 ++++ ++144 ++++ +++ 145 N/A +++ 146 ++++ ++ 147 ++++ ++ 148 ++++ +++ 149 N/A+++ 150 ++++ ++ 151 N/A +++ 152 N/A +++ 153 ++++ +++ 154 ++++ +++ 155++++ +++ 156 ++++ +++ 157 N/A +++ 158 N/A +++ 159 N/A +++ 160 N/A +++161 N/A +++ 162 N/A +++ 163 N/A +++ 164 N/A +++ 165 ++++ +++ 166 +++++++ 167 +++ +++ 168 +++ +++ 169 N/A +++ 170 N/A +++ 171 N/A +++ 172 +++++++ 173 N/A +++ 174 N/A +++ 175 N/A +++ 176 ++++ ++ 177 ++++ +++ 178 +++++ 179 ++ ++ 180 +++ +++ 181 +++ +++ 182 +++ +++ 183 +++ +++ 184 ++++N/A 185 +++ N/A 186 ++++ N/A 187 +++ N/A 188 +++ N/A 189 +++ N/A 190 +++N/A 191 ++++ N/A 192 ++++ N/A 193 ++++ N/A 194 ++++ N/A 195 ++++ N/A 196++++ N/A 197 +++ N/A 198 +++ N/A 199 +++ N/A 200 +++ N/A 201 +++ N/A 202+++ N/A 203 +++ N/A 204 +++ N/A 205 +++ N/A 206 +++ N/A 207 +++ N/A 208++++ N/A 209 +++ N/A 210 +++ N/A 211 +++ N/A 212 ++++ N/A 213 +++ N/A214 ++++ N/A 215 +++ N/A 216 +++ N/A 217 +++ N/A 218 +++ N/A 219 +++ N/A220 +++ N/A 221 ++++ N/A 222 +++ N/A 223 +++ N/A 224 +++ N/A 225 +++ N/A226 +++ N/A 227 +++ N/A 228 +++ N/A 229 +++ N/A 230 +++ N/A 231 ++++ N/A232 ++++ N/A 233 +++ N/A 234 +++ N/A 235 +++ N/A 236 +++ N/A 237 ++++N/A 238 +++ N/A 239 +++ N/A 240 +++ N/A 241 +++ N/A 242 +++ N/A 243 +++N/A 244 ++++ N/A 245 ++++ N/A 246 +++ N/A 247 +++ N/A 248 ++++ N/A 249++++ N/A 250 +++ N/A 251 +++ N/A 252 +++ N/A 253 +++ N/A 254 +++ N/A 255++++ N/A 256 +++ N/A 257 ++++ N/A 258 ++++ N/A 259 ++++ N/A 260 ++++ N/A261 ++++ N/A 262 ++++ N/A 263 ++ +++ 264 +++ +++ 265 N/A +++ 266 ++++N/A 267 ++++ N/A 268 ++++ N/A 269 ++++ N/A 270 ++++ N/A 271 ++++ N/A 272++++ N/A 273 +++ +++ 274 ++++ N/A 275 ++++ N/A 276 +++ ++ 277 +++ ++ 278+++ +++ 279 +++ +++ 280 ++++ +++ 281 ++++ +++ 282 ++++ N/A 283 ++++ N/A284 +++ N/A 285 +++ N/A 286 N/A +++ 287 ++++ +++ 288 ++++ +++ 289 N/A+++ 290 ++++ +++ 291 ++++ N/A 292 ++++ +++ 293 ++++ +++ 294 +++ +++ 295++++ ++++ 296 ++++ N/A 297 ++++ N/A 298 ++++ +++ 299 +++ +++ 300 +++ N/A301 ++++ N/A 302 ++++ N/A 303 N/A +++ 304 N/A +++ 305 N/A +++ 306 ++++++ 307 +++ +++ 308 +++ ++ 309 +++ ++ 310 ++ ++ 311 N/A ++++ 312 +++ +++313 +++ +++ 314 +++ N/A 315 +++ +++ 316 +++ N/A 317 N/A +++ 318 N/A +++319 +++ N/A 320 +++ N/A 321 +++ N/A 322 ++ N/A 323 ++ N/A 324 +++ N/A325 +++ N/A 326 ++ N/A 327 +++ N/A 328 +++ N/A 329 ++ N/A 330 +++ N/A331 ++ N/A 332 ++ N/A 333 ++ N/A 334 +++ N/A

Stabilization Assays

Assay Procedures

Generation of GLP-1R Protein Used in the Stability Induction Assay

A synthetic gene for a modified GLP-1R enhanced for expression in insectcells was created using overlap extension PCR to encode the amino acidsequence containing a signal peptide, N-terminal Flag (Sigma) epitopetag, mGLP-1R, GFP and a 10× histidine tag.

This gene product was cloned into the insect cell transfer vector,pFastBac 1 (Invitrogen) for transposition into the baculovirus DNAhosted in the DH10Bac strain E. coli. The transposition event resultedin recombination of the GLP-1R gene into the baculovirus genome, theresulting virus was then isolated from the E. coli cells and used toinfect a culture of Sf9 cells for viral amplification. High titer viralstock of the recombinant GLP-1R baculovirus was recovered and used toinfect a healthy population of SF9 insect cells for expression under thecontrol of the ^(ie1)GP64 baculovirus promoter (EMD biosciences).

Recombinant protein was isolated from the membranes of the insect cellsby extraction using 1% β-dodecylmaltopyranoside followed by purificationusing immobilized metal affinity chromatography resin and standardprotocols After elution the protein was analyzed by analytical sizeexclusion chromatography to determine its retention time relative to anunliganded receptor.

Size Exclusion Chromatography Peak Shift Assay—Characterization ofStability Induction for Compounds

The protein's hydrodynamic radius was analyzed on an analytical sizeexclusion chromatography column (Sepax Zenix SEC-300 250 mm×4.6 mmcolumn) equilibrated with 20 mM Hepes pH 7.5, 500 mM NaCl, 2% v/vglycerol, 0.05% w/v DDM and 0.01% w/v CHS and attached to a DionexUltimate HPLC which continuously pumped running buffer at a flow rate of0.5 mL/min. The HPLC was equipped with an ultraviolet absorption and afluorescence detector which enabled detection of total proteinabsorbance and GFP fluorescent emission respectively. The peak profilesof the GLP-1R in the presence of multiple compounds could be determinedfrom impure mixtures using fluorescence detection.

Each tested compound was assayed for its ability to alter thehydrodynamic radius. This change can manifest as either a positive ornegative shift in retention time in the peak shift assay. A positiveshift represents a decrease in apparent molecular weight of the complex,while a negative shift represents an increase in size. Compounds thatresult in a negative shift in retention time (i.e. increased size) maydo so by destabilizing the receptor or by causing non-specificaggregation. Compounds that result in a positive shift in retention time(i.e. decreased size) may do so either by stabilizing the receptor in amore compact conformation or by disrupting the oligomeric state (e.g.Dimer->monomer transition).

For this assay we reported the relative shift in retention time of eachcompound with respect to the apo protein (without ligand) and a positivecontrol. The results were normalized on a scale from 0 to 5 if theydisplayed a positive shift or −5 to 0 if they displayed a negativeshift.

Reported Stability Induction of Compounds on the GLP-1R

Stability induction data for selected GLP-1R compounds are displayed inTable 3. The values all correspond to an effect on dimer stability andrange from −1.1 to 1. This data can be used to select compounds thatretain binding to the receptor with either a positive or negative effecton the hydrodynamic radius.

TABLE 3 COMPOUND NUMBER PEAK SHIFT ASSAY 266 0.88 267 0.25 268 0.46 2690.34 270 0 271 0.52 272 −1.15 273 0.69 274 0.83 275 0

Activity data for selected GLP-1 modulators is displayed in Table 4.

TABLE 4 EC₂₀ EC₂₀ GLP-1 GLP-1 GLP-1 GLP-1 (9-36) (9-36) (9-36) (9-36)PAM max COMPOUND PAM PAM PAM EC₅₀ cAMP NUMBER EC₅₀ (nM) % Efficacy (μM)(nM) 2 196 48 >20 189 57 9.9 98 3.67 237 63 165 56 >10 72 103 43.1 705.49 204 120 123 67 4.05 174 178 208 77 6.31 98 179 75 76 4.84 160 26365.4 80 2.78 216 273 493 16 >10 27

1. A compound having the structure of Formula I-R or I-S or apharmaceutically acceptable isomer, enantiomer, racemate, salt, ester,prodrug, hydrate or solvate thereof:

wherein each R₁ is independently H or C₁₋₄ alkyl; R₂ is —OH, —O—R₈,—N(R₁)—SO₂—R₈, —N(R₁)—(CR_(a)R_(b))_(m)—COOH, or —N(R₁)-tetrazolyl; eachR₃ and R₄ is independently H, alkyl, alkoxy, halo, —NO₂, —CN,perhaloalkyl, perhaloalkoxy, haloalkyl, alkyl substituted with R₃₁,—OR₄₀, —NR₄₁R₄₂; each R₄₀ is independently H or alkyl; each R₄₁ and R₄₂is independently H or alkyl, —(CH₂)_(n)—COO—R₄₀, —C(O)—R₄₀, aryl,heteroaryl, or two taken together with the N atom to which they areattached can form a 3- to 7-membered heterocyclic ring; each R₃₁ isindependently H, halo, hydroxyl, —NR₄₁R₄₂, or alkoxy; each A isindependently, from the proximal to distal end of the structure ofFormula I-R or I-S, —O—, —OC(O)—, —NR₁—,—NR₁—CH₂₋₅—C(O)NR₁₋₅—N(R₁)—C(O)—, or —N(R₁)—S(O₂)—; W₁ is null or-L₁-(CR_(a)R_(b))_(m)-L₁-R₆; each L₁ is independently, from the proximalto distal end of the structure of Formula I-R or I-S, null, A, —C(O)O—,—S(O₂)—, —S—, —N(R₁)—C(O)—N(R₁)—, —N(R₁)—C(O)O—, —C(O)— or —S(O₂)—NR₁—;each R_(a) and R_(b) is independently H, alkyl, alkoxy, aralkyl, or twotaken together with the carbon to which they are attached form acycloalkyl; R₆ is H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl,heterocycloalkyl, any of which may be optionally singly or multiplysubstituted with R₇ or —(CH₂)_(m)-L₂-(CH₂)_(m)—R₇; R₇ is H, halo, alkyl,alkoxy, —OH, —CN, —S(O)—R₈, —S(O)₂—R₈₅—S(O)₂—NR₁R₈, —NR₁—S(O)₂—R₈, or aring moiety selected from cycloalkyl, phenyl, aryl, heteroaryl,heterocyclyl, or heterocycloalkyl, where such ring moiety may beoptionally singly or multiply substituted with halo, alkyl, alkoxy,perhaloalkyl, perhaloalkoxy, haloalkyl, hydroxy, cyano,—S(O)—R₈₅—S(O)₂—R₈, —S(O)₂—NR₁R₈, or —NR₁—S(O)₂—R₈; L₂ is independently,from the proximal to distal end of the structure of Formula I-R or I-S,null, —O—, —OC(O)—, —NR₁—, —C(O)NR₁₋₅—N(R₁)—C(O)—, —S(O₂)—, —C(O)— or—S(O₂)—N(R₁)—; R₅ is R₇, —(CH₂)_(m)-L₂-(CH₂)_(m)—R₇, or-(-L₃-(CR_(a)R_(b))_(r)—)_(a)-L₃-R₇; each L₃ is independently null, —O—,or —N(R₁)— each R₈ is independently H, C₁₋₇ alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl;each m is independently 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6; each n is independently0 or 1; p is 0, 1, 2, or 3; q is 0, 1, 2, or 3; each r is independently2, 3, or 4; and each s is independently 1, 2, 3, or
 4. 2. The compoundof claim 1 wherein the compound has the structure of Formula I-R or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, prodrug, homolog, hydrate orsolvate thereof.
 3. The compound of claim 1 wherein the compound has thestructure of Formula I-S or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester,prodrug, homolog, hydrate or solvate thereof.
 4. The compound of claim 1wherein the compound is substantially enantiomerically pure.
 5. Thecompound of claim 1 wherein W₁ is -L₁-(CR_(a)R_(b))_(m)-L₁-R₆.
 6. Thecompound of claim 5 wherein W₁ is -L₁-(CR_(a)R_(b))_(m)—R₆.
 7. Thecompound of claim 6 wherein one of L₁ is —O—.
 8. The compound of claim 6wherein one of L₁ is —C(O)O—.
 9. The compound of claim 6 wherein one ofL₁ is —S(O₂)—.
 10. The compound of claim 6 wherein one of L₁ is —S—. 11.The compound of claim 6 wherein one of L₁ is —N(R₁).
 12. The compound ofclaim 6 wherein one of L₁ is —N(R₁)—C(O)—N(R₁)—.
 13. The compound ofclaim 6 wherein one of L₁ is —N(R₁)—C(O)—.
 14. The compound of claim 6wherein one of L₁ is —S(O₂)—N(R₁)—.
 15. The compound of claim 1 whereinR₁ is H.
 16. The compound of claim 1 wherein one of L₁ is —O—.
 17. Thecompound of claim 6 wherein both R_(a) and R_(b) are H.
 18. The compoundof claim 6 wherein one of R_(a) and R_(b) is methyl.
 19. The compoundclaim 6 wherein one of R_(a) and R_(b) is methoxy.
 20. The compound ofclaim 6 wherein in at least one instance R_(a) and R_(b) taken togetherwith the carbon to which they are attached form a cycloalkyl.
 21. Thecompound of claim 1 wherein R₆ is alkyl substituted with R₇ and R₇ isphenyl.
 22. The compound of claim 5 wherein W₁ is—NHC(O)—(CH₂)_(m)-L₁-R₆.
 23. The compound of claim 22 wherein R₆ is H oralkyl.
 24. The compound of claim 22 wherein R₆ is cycloalkyl, aryl,heteroaryl, or heterocycloalkyl, and any of which may be optionallysingly or multiply substituted with alkyl, alkoxy or halo.
 25. Thecompound of claim 24 wherein R₆ is cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl,pyridinyl, naphthyl, furyl, thiophenyl, benzo[b]furanyl, oxazolyl,isoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, tetrahydro-2H-pyranyl, pyrazolyl,benzo[b]thiophenyl, quinoxalinyl, quinolinyl, thiazolyl, pyrrolidinyl,pyrrolyl, pyrazolo[1,5-c]pyridinyl, imidazolyl, benzo[d]isoxazolyl, andR₆ may be optionally singly or multiply substituted with methyl,methoxy, chloro or fluoro.
 26. The compound of claim 1 wherein m is 0, 1or
 2. 27. The compound of claim 1 wherein W₁ is attached in the paraposition.
 28. The compound of claim 1 wherein W₁ is null.
 29. Thecompound of claim 28 wherein each R₃ is independently H, methyl, ethyl,t-butyl, methoxy, isopropoxy, ethoxy, chloro, fluoro, —CF₃, —OCF₃,—OCF₂H, —CN, or —NO₂.
 30. The compound of claim 29 wherein each R₃ isindependently H, t-butyl, or methoxy.
 31. The compound of claim 29wherein p is
 1. 32. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₁ is H.
 33. Thecompound of claim 1 wherein R₂ is —OH.
 34. The compound of claim 1wherein R₄ is H.
 35. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₄ is alkoxy. 36.The compound of claim 35 wherein R₄ is methoxy.
 37. The compound ofclaim 1 wherein A is —OC(O)—, —N(R₁)—S(O₂)—, —O—, or —N(R₁)—C(O)—. 38.The compound of claim 37 wherein A is —OC(O)—.
 39. The compound of claim37 wherein A is in the para position.
 40. The compound of claim 1wherein p is
 1. 41. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₅ is alkoxy. 42.The compound of claim 41 wherein R₅ is heptoxy.
 43. The compound ofclaim 1 wherein n is
 1. 44. The compound of claim 1 wherein the compoundis selected from any of compounds 1-317:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable isomer, enantiomer, racemate, salt,ester, prodrug, hydrate or solvate thereof.
 45. The compound of claim 44wherein the compound is selected from any of compounds 2, 57, 63, 103,120, 178, 179, 263 and 273:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable isomer, enantiomer, racemate, salt,ester, prodrug, hydrate or solvate thereof.
 46. A pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a compound of claim 1 together with at least onepharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient.
 47. Apharmaceutical combination comprising the compound of claim 1 and asecond medicament.
 48. A pharmaceutical combination of claim 47 whereinsuch second medicament is a peptidic GLP-1 agonist or a DPP-4 inhibitor.49-56. (canceled)